Kim 's ActivityTypepadTypepadtag:typepad.com,2003:profile.typepad.com/services/activity/atom/tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/personhttp://profile.typepad.com/secretsugartag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee93f15da970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-03-13T02:30:44Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41c61297970c2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge Pt. 12: A Textured Quilthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-03-13T02:30:43Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c379b9683970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c379b9683970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the twelfth in our series of staff project posts created for the Spoonflower Staff Quilt Challenge. &#0160;Voting on this contest opens Thursday, 3/14.</em></span> </p> <hr /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c379b987b970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Textured_Quilt_Final" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c379b987b970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c379b987b970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Textured_Quilt_Final" /></a> <p>Danielle, Kim and I (Kate) weren’t really sure where to start with this year&#39;s staff challenge. &#0160;A quilt? &#0160;Made with Spoonflower fabric? &#0160;What limitless possibilities! &#0160;All avid crafters, it was a little difficult to begin to narrow down the focus, so we ruminated on our ideas for a few days before our first meeting.&#0160;</p> <p>Several years ago, I&#39;d got my hands on a lovely book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Manipulating-Fabric-Colette-Wolff/dp/0801984963/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1363117298&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=art+of+manipulating+fabric" target="_self">The Art of Manipulating Fabric</a></em> by Colette Wolff. &#0160;I had since hoped to have the time and focus to sit down and try out some of the phenomenal grids and patterns she suggests for pleating, tucking, smocking and more. &#0160;This quilt project seemed to be the perfect time to try it out and when I suggested this idea, Danielle and Kim were both enthusiastic. &#0160;As a matter of fact, Kim had a copy of the same book on her bookshelf!<br /><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.06885509681887925"><br /> </strong><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.06885509681887925"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caa4eb970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Art_of_manipulating_fabric" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caa4eb970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caa4eb970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Art_of_manipulating_fabric" /></a></strong><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.06885509681887925"><br /></strong>Danielle and I each took a gander at reproducing some of the patterns that served as guides for assorted types of fabric manipulation in the book. &#0160;Printing those patterns onto Spoonflower fabric enabled us to bypass the usual time-consuming task of manually measuring and marking grids, which allowed us a lot more time for sewing exploration. &#0160;Danielle started with designing simple grids of dots, each spaced in different increments, using different colors, and printed onto different fabrics so that we could explore several different methods of manipulating fabric to create textures.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caaa74970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Dots_grid" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caaa74970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caaa74970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dots_grid" /></a><em style="font-size: 8pt; text-align: center;">One of Danielle&#39;s grids of dots</em></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c379b9683970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c379b9683970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the twelfth in our series of staff project posts created for the Spoonflower Staff Quilt Challenge. &#0160;Voting on this contest opens Thursday, 3/14.</em></span> </p> <hr /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c379b987b970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Textured_Quilt_Final" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c379b987b970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c379b987b970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Textured_Quilt_Final" /></a> <p>Danielle, Kim and I (Kate) weren’t really sure where to start with this year&#39;s staff challenge. &#0160;A quilt? &#0160;Made with Spoonflower fabric? &#0160;What limitless possibilities! &#0160;All avid crafters, it was a little difficult to begin to narrow down the focus, so we ruminated on our ideas for a few days before our first meeting.&#0160;</p> <p>Several years ago, I&#39;d got my hands on a lovely book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Manipulating-Fabric-Colette-Wolff/dp/0801984963/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1363117298&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=art+of+manipulating+fabric" target="_self">The Art of Manipulating Fabric</a></em> by Colette Wolff. &#0160;I had since hoped to have the time and focus to sit down and try out some of the phenomenal grids and patterns she suggests for pleating, tucking, smocking and more. &#0160;This quilt project seemed to be the perfect time to try it out and when I suggested this idea, Danielle and Kim were both enthusiastic. &#0160;As a matter of fact, Kim had a copy of the same book on her bookshelf!<br /><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.06885509681887925"><br /> </strong><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.06885509681887925"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caa4eb970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Art_of_manipulating_fabric" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caa4eb970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caa4eb970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Art_of_manipulating_fabric" /></a></strong><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.06885509681887925"><br /></strong>Danielle and I each took a gander at reproducing some of the patterns that served as guides for assorted types of fabric manipulation in the book. &#0160;Printing those patterns onto Spoonflower fabric enabled us to bypass the usual time-consuming task of manually measuring and marking grids, which allowed us a lot more time for sewing exploration. &#0160;Danielle started with designing simple grids of dots, each spaced in different increments, using different colors, and printed onto different fabrics so that we could explore several different methods of manipulating fabric to create textures.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caaa74970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Dots_grid" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caaa74970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41caaa74970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dots_grid" /></a><em style="font-size: 8pt; text-align: center;">One of Danielle&#39;s grids of dots</em></p> tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d41c60afa970c Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-03-12T14:34:40Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41c01d25970c2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge Pt. 10: A Baum-y Quilthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-03-12T14:34:40Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41c03b74970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41c03b74970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a></p> <p><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the tenth post in our series of staff projects created for the Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting for this contest opens on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span></p> <hr /> <p><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><img alt="" height="560px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/cEp5ekj7bK9CBJdU5L0jN2pBxDRAQqe1J2GiufAj2pT9PtvQkfvcrEbcnrMfUUCTzylsEaV2wWhjA75NuSV0jhITEHAerksEDz4lytVYR7u37-0bbnSZEeAi6g" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="373px;" /></strong></p> <p>It was another peculiarly Baumy winter day in central North Carolina. The industrious denizens of this fertile Durham seed bed, the Spoonflower custom fabricators, were churning out yard after yard of one-of-a-kind fabric, their eyes alight with the joy that only they can know. Not one among them noticed that the wind began to switch and that the sky had become a bruise-colored, ominous grey-purple-green (Pantone Tornado Green). &#0160;This could only be the harbinger of one thing -- the annual Spoonflower staff challenge. <br /><br />“It’s a twister, it’s a twister!” shrieked David shrilly from the help desk. The shutters clattered and the winds whipped up, sending stacks of swatches swirling skyward, swatches of lions, swatches of tigers, and swatches of bears. “Oh my!” everyone shouted, clustering in groups of three, bracing for the brunt and screaming above the din, “What ever will we do?”</p> <p><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"> <strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><img alt="" height="472px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Dewa44n8XFcdLwvfzkz1G6EtvplJSomy0lZM9bWAYZqzme0MOzPVBn2hnOqJMR7nNzTXwsh3JaTZ5MDILgY0woF8Im-L8DKT_gjdUbG9PVA-OmFWygwiVuSfiw" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="354px;" /></strong></strong></p> <p>Tossed over the rainbow of colorful fabric, Janet, David, and Stephen B. found themselves thrown together to face the challenge. Yet each was woefully doubtful of the skills they possessed and unsure of how to move forward in the changing landscape of Spoonland.<strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"> <br /></strong></p> <p><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658">&#0160;</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>Fortunately one among us had the courage to step forward with a bold idea.</p> <p> <strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"> <strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><img alt="" height="422px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/AtWhEomyaHR98lj-x0TzXW8iu9Xmtcdj4h0GNnZIOyw0mczNI5_cOkVSuQ0fEkgr7kF6CJkQQ7h85psTqJWLxzlc6YlLE56FBSqaY3Hs8DPqlOWKWlorZCp-tA" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="317px;" /></strong><br /></strong> </p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41c03b74970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41c03b74970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a></p> <p><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the tenth post in our series of staff projects created for the Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting for this contest opens on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span></p> <hr /> <p><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><img alt="" height="560px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/cEp5ekj7bK9CBJdU5L0jN2pBxDRAQqe1J2GiufAj2pT9PtvQkfvcrEbcnrMfUUCTzylsEaV2wWhjA75NuSV0jhITEHAerksEDz4lytVYR7u37-0bbnSZEeAi6g" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="373px;" /></strong></p> <p>It was another peculiarly Baumy winter day in central North Carolina. The industrious denizens of this fertile Durham seed bed, the Spoonflower custom fabricators, were churning out yard after yard of one-of-a-kind fabric, their eyes alight with the joy that only they can know. Not one among them noticed that the wind began to switch and that the sky had become a bruise-colored, ominous grey-purple-green (Pantone Tornado Green). &#0160;This could only be the harbinger of one thing -- the annual Spoonflower staff challenge. <br /><br />“It’s a twister, it’s a twister!” shrieked David shrilly from the help desk. The shutters clattered and the winds whipped up, sending stacks of swatches swirling skyward, swatches of lions, swatches of tigers, and swatches of bears. “Oh my!” everyone shouted, clustering in groups of three, bracing for the brunt and screaming above the din, “What ever will we do?”</p> <p><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"> <strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><img alt="" height="472px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Dewa44n8XFcdLwvfzkz1G6EtvplJSomy0lZM9bWAYZqzme0MOzPVBn2hnOqJMR7nNzTXwsh3JaTZ5MDILgY0woF8Im-L8DKT_gjdUbG9PVA-OmFWygwiVuSfiw" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="354px;" /></strong></strong></p> <p>Tossed over the rainbow of colorful fabric, Janet, David, and Stephen B. found themselves thrown together to face the challenge. Yet each was woefully doubtful of the skills they possessed and unsure of how to move forward in the changing landscape of Spoonland.<strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"> <br /></strong></p> <p><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658">&#0160;</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>Fortunately one among us had the courage to step forward with a bold idea.</p> <p> <strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"> <strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5124581952113658"><img alt="" height="422px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/AtWhEomyaHR98lj-x0TzXW8iu9Xmtcdj4h0GNnZIOyw0mczNI5_cOkVSuQ0fEkgr7kF6CJkQQ7h85psTqJWLxzlc6YlLE56FBSqaY3Hs8DPqlOWKWlorZCp-tA" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="317px;" /></strong><br /></strong> </p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c378e75a6970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-03-11T20:06:11Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9317257970d2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge Pt. 9: A Ryan Gosling Quilthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-03-11T20:06:10Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9316f47970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9316f47970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This post is the ninth in our series of projects created by Spoonflower employees for the 2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting for this contest opens on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span> </p> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41bdbb9f970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Ryan_final" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41bdbb9f970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41bdbb9f970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Ryan_final" /></a><br />The 2013 Staff Challenge has been challenging indeed. &#0160;Charged with the task of designing a quilt--any size quilt using our fabric designs--Allie, Theresa and I started brainstorming all the options immediately.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378e51fe970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Brainstorm" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378e51fe970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378e51fe970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Brainstorm" /></a><br /> </p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9316f47970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9316f47970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This post is the ninth in our series of projects created by Spoonflower employees for the 2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting for this contest opens on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span> </p> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41bdbb9f970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Ryan_final" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41bdbb9f970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41bdbb9f970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Ryan_final" /></a><br />The 2013 Staff Challenge has been challenging indeed. &#0160;Charged with the task of designing a quilt--any size quilt using our fabric designs--Allie, Theresa and I started brainstorming all the options immediately.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378e51fe970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Brainstorm" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378e51fe970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378e51fe970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Brainstorm" /></a><br /> </p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d41ba5608970c Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-03-11T13:00:12Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3785a6a6970b2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge Pt. 8: A Musical Quilthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-03-11T13:00:00Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b4f714970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b4f714970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the eighth post in our series of project posts created for the Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting for this contest will open on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span> </p> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b50203970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="PHOTO 10" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b50203970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b50203970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="PHOTO 10" /></a><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5728421432431787"></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: #800000;">Spoontunes: A Musical Quilt by Holly, Paula and Yoalder</span></p> <p>All three of us work together on Spoonflower’s operations team, so we were able to meet and discuss our quilt ideas regularly. &#0160;Holly is an artist and seamstress, Paula is fabulously creative and has a long list of people already enjoying items made from her sewing machine, and Yoalder is a designer and DIY fix-it builder with absolutely no sewing skills at all. &#0160;Our biggest problem at first was too many ideas! &#0160;But finally we settled on one. &#0160;The main theme of our quilt is old and new methods of listening to music. &#0160;</p> We were inspired by all the musical fabric designs that come through production, as well as the eclectic musical tastes of our own team. &#0160;One of the first things we did was poll our coworkers to see what their favorite music was, and we hardly recognized any of it! &#0160;The other idea we had was to make something non-traditional and asymmetrical. &#0160;(Holly had enough of cutting out little squares after <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/03/qr-code-quilt.html">last year’s challenge</a>!)<br /> <p>First, Holly drew some pictures of old cassette tapes, and she and Paula colored them in with crayons. &#0160;<br /><br /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b507cd970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="PHOTO 1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b507cd970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b507cd970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="PHOTO 1" /></a></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b4f714970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b4f714970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the eighth post in our series of project posts created for the Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting for this contest will open on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span> </p> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b50203970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="PHOTO 10" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b50203970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b50203970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="PHOTO 10" /></a><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5728421432431787"></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: #800000;">Spoontunes: A Musical Quilt by Holly, Paula and Yoalder</span></p> <p>All three of us work together on Spoonflower’s operations team, so we were able to meet and discuss our quilt ideas regularly. &#0160;Holly is an artist and seamstress, Paula is fabulously creative and has a long list of people already enjoying items made from her sewing machine, and Yoalder is a designer and DIY fix-it builder with absolutely no sewing skills at all. &#0160;Our biggest problem at first was too many ideas! &#0160;But finally we settled on one. &#0160;The main theme of our quilt is old and new methods of listening to music. &#0160;</p> We were inspired by all the musical fabric designs that come through production, as well as the eclectic musical tastes of our own team. &#0160;One of the first things we did was poll our coworkers to see what their favorite music was, and we hardly recognized any of it! &#0160;The other idea we had was to make something non-traditional and asymmetrical. &#0160;(Holly had enough of cutting out little squares after <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/03/qr-code-quilt.html">last year’s challenge</a>!)<br /> <p>First, Holly drew some pictures of old cassette tapes, and she and Paula colored them in with crayons. &#0160;<br /><br /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b507cd970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="PHOTO 1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b507cd970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41b507cd970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="PHOTO 1" /></a></p> tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee923479b970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-03-10T13:05:37Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41af6016970c2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge Pt. 7: A Haiku Quilthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-03-10T13:05:36Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9232d28970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9232d28970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><br /><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the seventh in our series of staff projects created for the Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting for this contest opens on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span></p> <hr /> <p>Hello from Team Craft Revolution! We are Katie, Stephanie, and Sharon.&#0160;</p> <p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QqvnLHg3uKWMJblpqEbZmRW6kRO6XV2q9f9XTNqgo24?feat=directlink"></a></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378003dc970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Group_photo" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378003dc970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378003dc970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Group_photo" /></a><br />At our first meeting I thought it would be fun to create a haiku about Spoonflower and base our quilt design on that haiku. After writing 10 or so haikus (mainly inside jokes about working at Spoonflower), there was our winner:<br /><br /> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">spoonflower is best</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">fabric designers unite</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">craft revolution</p> <p> <br />Once that was settled, we set about designing our fabric. Our haiku would be the focal point, of course. For the rest of the quilt, textures based on various crafting mediums (cross-stitching, crocheting, knitting, and quilting) would reflect our haiku inspiration. We wanted a bold color palette that included coral pink, navy blue, bright orange, and a golden yellow against a textured, neutral background.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dc-DYPntl0fZD3Am9fLZvBW6kRO6XV2q9f9XTNqgo24?feat=directlink"></a></p> <p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dc-DYPntl0fZD3Am9fLZvBW6kRO6XV2q9f9XTNqgo24?feat=directlink"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41af6928970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Quilt_plan" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41af6928970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41af6928970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Quilt_plan" /></a><br />In late January Katie showed us her initial design, which was quite amazing. Lots of different textures, layering effects, using the colors we liked.<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RDQsP93qkLtj50eRJmsVKRW6kRO6XV2q9f9XTNqgo24?feat=directlink"></a></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c37800c8b970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Picture 1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c37800c8b970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c37800c8b970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 1" /></a><br /> </p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9232d28970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9232d28970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><br /><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the seventh in our series of staff projects created for the Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting for this contest opens on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span></p> <hr /> <p>Hello from Team Craft Revolution! We are Katie, Stephanie, and Sharon.&#0160;</p> <p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QqvnLHg3uKWMJblpqEbZmRW6kRO6XV2q9f9XTNqgo24?feat=directlink"></a></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378003dc970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Group_photo" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378003dc970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c378003dc970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Group_photo" /></a><br />At our first meeting I thought it would be fun to create a haiku about Spoonflower and base our quilt design on that haiku. After writing 10 or so haikus (mainly inside jokes about working at Spoonflower), there was our winner:<br /><br /> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">spoonflower is best</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">fabric designers unite</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">craft revolution</p> <p> <br />Once that was settled, we set about designing our fabric. Our haiku would be the focal point, of course. For the rest of the quilt, textures based on various crafting mediums (cross-stitching, crocheting, knitting, and quilting) would reflect our haiku inspiration. We wanted a bold color palette that included coral pink, navy blue, bright orange, and a golden yellow against a textured, neutral background.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dc-DYPntl0fZD3Am9fLZvBW6kRO6XV2q9f9XTNqgo24?feat=directlink"></a></p> <p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dc-DYPntl0fZD3Am9fLZvBW6kRO6XV2q9f9XTNqgo24?feat=directlink"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41af6928970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Quilt_plan" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41af6928970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d41af6928970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Quilt_plan" /></a><br />In late January Katie showed us her initial design, which was quite amazing. Lots of different textures, layering effects, using the colors we liked.<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RDQsP93qkLtj50eRJmsVKRW6kRO6XV2q9f9XTNqgo24?feat=directlink"></a></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c37800c8b970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Picture 1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c37800c8b970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c37800c8b970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 1" /></a><br /> </p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee91d9acd970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-03-09T22:57:54Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9117901970d2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge Pt. 6: A Steampunk Quilthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-03-09T22:57:53Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419da6fe970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419da6fe970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419da6fe970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a></p> <p><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the sixth installment in our post series describing the projects in this year&#39;s Spoonflower Staff Challenge. &#0160;Voting for this contest will open on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span></p> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d957a970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Teamsteampunkfinal" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d957a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d957a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Teamsteampunkfinal" /></a><br />This year’s staff challenge was more focused than last year’s with everyone asked to make a quilt. Our group, known as “Team Steampunk,” consisted of Lindy, Kelly W. and Deron. We had somewhat of an additional challenge with planning at the beginning since each of us work separate shifts. However, our shifts did overlap just enough that planning could be done on the fly. As soon as our group got together in a brainstorming session, we all jumped at the idea of a steampunk-themed quilt. From there we just had to figure out what exactly it would be. Thanks to some great rough drafts from Kelly, a chessboard was born!</p> <p><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5666567049920559"> <img alt="" height="222px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/H-TO7a2rfUlQUu6A2TuGmcCJFVvDrrwsgyc0laB9NUU7u7YrxvXU-dxi-NoI6cqCXKxhidMdc2MIHuwRGZKbPEErryLtQ-tW_JQExpTsRkqlMmfoEYGC_mvT" width="296px;" /><img alt="" height="222px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/kMBFi0EGwvgg-nqqH2FKG1vmTH657x4GQTRvL2dQfcp1ZVR9eW-N0R3r8cY67mfBRPgTk8GzcGTYJnYJLAv7DNuIKVK5Xy3oJlgMxdRq4-dhUIAD39a2iNuK" width="296px;" /><br /> </strong> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">First sketches of the board by Kelly (left) and concept drawings by Lindy (right) of the pieces and background images.</span></em></p> <strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5666567049920559"> </strong>Now if this was going to be a chessboard, we needed to have two opposing sides. Maybe the hardest part of the entire project turned out to be coming up with two unique sides to “fight” each other, not to mention having to draw them all. (Sorry, Lindy!) Early on, we had loved the idea of a giant octopus battling airships for the board&#39;s background, and that image fueled our imaginations in coming up with our armies. One side was going to be your more traditional pieces who were being controlled by the Kraken. We decided these pieces should look a little bit sick and almost zombie-like. The other set would be a mad scientist and his creations who have risen up to fight the brainwashed citizens of his country. Kelly then spent a little time writing a detailed backstory to be sewn onto the back of our quilt. <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d7bc7970d-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d8096970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Kelly_quilt_back" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d8096970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d8096970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kelly_quilt_back" /></a><br /> </p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419da6fe970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419da6fe970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419da6fe970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a></p> <p><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the sixth installment in our post series describing the projects in this year&#39;s Spoonflower Staff Challenge. &#0160;Voting for this contest will open on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span></p> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d957a970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Teamsteampunkfinal" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d957a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d957a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Teamsteampunkfinal" /></a><br />This year’s staff challenge was more focused than last year’s with everyone asked to make a quilt. Our group, known as “Team Steampunk,” consisted of Lindy, Kelly W. and Deron. We had somewhat of an additional challenge with planning at the beginning since each of us work separate shifts. However, our shifts did overlap just enough that planning could be done on the fly. As soon as our group got together in a brainstorming session, we all jumped at the idea of a steampunk-themed quilt. From there we just had to figure out what exactly it would be. Thanks to some great rough drafts from Kelly, a chessboard was born!</p> <p><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5666567049920559"> <img alt="" height="222px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/H-TO7a2rfUlQUu6A2TuGmcCJFVvDrrwsgyc0laB9NUU7u7YrxvXU-dxi-NoI6cqCXKxhidMdc2MIHuwRGZKbPEErryLtQ-tW_JQExpTsRkqlMmfoEYGC_mvT" width="296px;" /><img alt="" height="222px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/kMBFi0EGwvgg-nqqH2FKG1vmTH657x4GQTRvL2dQfcp1ZVR9eW-N0R3r8cY67mfBRPgTk8GzcGTYJnYJLAv7DNuIKVK5Xy3oJlgMxdRq4-dhUIAD39a2iNuK" width="296px;" /><br /> </strong> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">First sketches of the board by Kelly (left) and concept drawings by Lindy (right) of the pieces and background images.</span></em></p> <strong id="internal-source-marker_0.5666567049920559"> </strong>Now if this was going to be a chessboard, we needed to have two opposing sides. Maybe the hardest part of the entire project turned out to be coming up with two unique sides to “fight” each other, not to mention having to draw them all. (Sorry, Lindy!) Early on, we had loved the idea of a giant octopus battling airships for the board&#39;s background, and that image fueled our imaginations in coming up with our armies. One side was going to be your more traditional pieces who were being controlled by the Kraken. We decided these pieces should look a little bit sick and almost zombie-like. The other set would be a mad scientist and his creations who have risen up to fight the brainwashed citizens of his country. Kelly then spent a little time writing a detailed backstory to be sewn onto the back of our quilt. <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d7bc7970d-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d8096970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Kelly_quilt_back" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d8096970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee91d8096970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kelly_quilt_back" /></a><br /> </p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee91383d2970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-03-08T23:00:05Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376e4ce0970b2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge Pt. 3: Rocket Ship Quilthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-03-08T23:00:00Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419d6c69970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419d6c69970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><br /><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the third post in our series of project posts for the Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting on this contest opens on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span> &#0160;</p> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9114661970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Rocket_Ship_Quilt" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9114661970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9114661970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rocket_Ship_Quilt" /></a><br />For this year’s staff challenge, our team consisted of Jaysen, Caitlin, and I (Sarah). It was great working with this group because we were all hired at the same time and have since diverged into different departments here at Spoonflower.</p> <p>We brainstormed for a while on some different ideas but we liked the concept of creating a quilt to give to someone as a gift. Caitlin’s brother and sister-in-law, who currently live in Japan, are having twin boys in May and we loved the idea of making a baby boy quilt for them to enjoy. We chose rocket ships (because what little boy doesn’t like them?) and Caitlin’s brother graciously provided us with the Japanese kanji for the word.</p> <p><br />Jaysen began designing a rocket ship print that would be used for the backing of the quilt.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419d832d970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Spacerocket" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419d832d970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419d832d970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Spacerocket" /></a> </p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419d6c69970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419d6c69970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><br /><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the third post in our series of project posts for the Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting on this contest opens on Thursday, 3/14.</em></span> &#0160;</p> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9114661970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Rocket_Ship_Quilt" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9114661970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9114661970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rocket_Ship_Quilt" /></a><br />For this year’s staff challenge, our team consisted of Jaysen, Caitlin, and I (Sarah). It was great working with this group because we were all hired at the same time and have since diverged into different departments here at Spoonflower.</p> <p>We brainstormed for a while on some different ideas but we liked the concept of creating a quilt to give to someone as a gift. Caitlin’s brother and sister-in-law, who currently live in Japan, are having twin boys in May and we loved the idea of making a baby boy quilt for them to enjoy. We chose rocket ships (because what little boy doesn’t like them?) and Caitlin’s brother graciously provided us with the Japanese kanji for the word.</p> <p><br />Jaysen began designing a rocket ship print that would be used for the backing of the quilt.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419d832d970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Spacerocket" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419d832d970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419d832d970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Spacerocket" /></a> </p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c376f3aef970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-03-08T20:00:00Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c6aa0970c2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge Pt. 2: Mandala Quilthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-03-08T20:00:00Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c6540970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c6540970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the second in our series of posts describing the projects in the Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting on this contest will open Thursday, March 14th. &#0160;</em></span> </p> <hr /> <p dir="ltr"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376d24bc970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="QuiltFinal" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376d24bc970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376d24bc970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="QuiltFinal" /></a><br />Anne: I originally thought of creating a mandala design because it is something I do for fun and relaxation. Coloring is a form of meditation and I find it as soothing and rhythmic as breathing. I love mixing up all the colors, and seeing what comes out is always a surprise.&#0160;Every mandala in our quilt comes from a book called <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coloring-Mandalas-Balance-Spiritual-Well-Being/dp/B004HXUWAO/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1362758978&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=Coloring+Mandalas+For+Balance%2C+Harmony%2C+and+Spiritual+Well-Being" target="_self">Coloring Mandalas 2: For Balance, Harmony, and Spiritual Well-Being</a></em> by Susanne F. Fincher.</p> <p dir="ltr"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c7667970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Book" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c7667970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c7667970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Book" /></a><br />After getting approval for entering the mandalas as our design theme, Beth and I picked about twelve. Originally, we wanted to scan in each one but at 10”X10” they were too big for a traditional flatbed scanner. Beth prudently decided to take photographs of each image and upload them into the computer that way. She then fired up Adobe Illustrator with a 36”x36” canvas and each mandala sized as a 9”x9” square.</p> <p dir="ltr"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c79d5970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="CenterCompare" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c79d5970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c79d5970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="CenterCompare" /></a><br />Beth: To keep the designs somewhat consistent, I did need to run a filter to make them more painterly. I then used the color dropper tool to select colors from each design for the borders and sashing.</p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9103e7a970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="QuiltDesign" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9103e7a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9103e7a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="QuiltDesign" /></a><br /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c6540970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c6540970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the second in our series of posts describing the projects in the Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge. &#0160;Voting on this contest will open Thursday, March 14th. &#0160;</em></span> </p> <hr /> <p dir="ltr"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376d24bc970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="QuiltFinal" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376d24bc970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376d24bc970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="QuiltFinal" /></a><br />Anne: I originally thought of creating a mandala design because it is something I do for fun and relaxation. Coloring is a form of meditation and I find it as soothing and rhythmic as breathing. I love mixing up all the colors, and seeing what comes out is always a surprise.&#0160;Every mandala in our quilt comes from a book called <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coloring-Mandalas-Balance-Spiritual-Well-Being/dp/B004HXUWAO/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1362758978&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=Coloring+Mandalas+For+Balance%2C+Harmony%2C+and+Spiritual+Well-Being" target="_self">Coloring Mandalas 2: For Balance, Harmony, and Spiritual Well-Being</a></em> by Susanne F. Fincher.</p> <p dir="ltr"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c7667970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Book" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c7667970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c7667970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Book" /></a><br />After getting approval for entering the mandalas as our design theme, Beth and I picked about twelve. Originally, we wanted to scan in each one but at 10”X10” they were too big for a traditional flatbed scanner. Beth prudently decided to take photographs of each image and upload them into the computer that way. She then fired up Adobe Illustrator with a 36”x36” canvas and each mandala sized as a 9”x9” square.</p> <p dir="ltr"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c79d5970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="CenterCompare" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c79d5970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d419c79d5970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="CenterCompare" /></a><br />Beth: To keep the designs somewhat consistent, I did need to run a filter to make them more painterly. I then used the color dropper tool to select colors from each design for the borders and sashing.</p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9103e7a970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="QuiltDesign" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9103e7a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee9103e7a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="QuiltDesign" /></a><br /> tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c376d045c970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-03-08T15:55:47Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cdf88970b2013 Spoonflower Staff Quilting Challenge Pt. 1: A Quilt From Spoonlandia!http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-03-08T15:55:47Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee90ff1c3970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee90ff1c3970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><em>Today marks the start of our annual Spoonflower staff challenge in which we turn the proverbial tables and ask the Spoonflower communithy to vote on us for a change. &#0160;This year&#39;s task was to come up with an original fabric design or designs and create a quilt. &#0160;Stephen sorted us all randomly into 15 teams and we got to work. &#0160;Some of us had never made a quilt before, so this proved pretty challenging. &#0160;But I suspect that equally challenging for those of us who are proficient quilters was having to give up a little control and work with a team. &#0160;Regardless of which category we fell into, I&#39;m quite sure that everyone is pleased--and perhaps a bit relieved--to have finished their quilts! &#0160;(Or almost finished. &#0160;Ahem.)</em></span> </p> <p><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is our first blog post in this series of staff challenge projects, and we&#39;ll be posting a few each day before voting opens on Thursday, March 14th. &#0160;We hope you enjoy our quilting adventures!</em></span></p> <hr /> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc644970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Spoonlandia_Final" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc644970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc644970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Spoonlandia_Final" /></a><br />Greetings from Spoonlandia! For our group project, Abbey, John and I (Laurie) went vintage postcard style. We get quite a few visitors here to Spoonflower through tours and classes, so we wanted to created a welcome quilt that our guests will see when they visit. The staff around here affectionately refer to Spoonflower as Spoonlandia, so we included this inside joke on our quilt.&#0160;</p> <p><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc3fb970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Spoonlandia" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc3fb970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc3fb970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Spoonlandia" /></a><br /><br /></strong>John was the mastermind who came up with the postcard theme and Abbey came up with this awesome sketch during one of our early brainstorming sessions. <br /><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"><br /></strong>Several meetings later we decided to shift our concept away from monster Kraken tentacles and onto the fabric and wallpaper that we print here. &#0160;Below are a few shots from the batch of photos I took around the Spoonflower office.<strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"><br /></strong><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"><br /> </strong><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc9d8970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Spoonlandia_Blog" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc9d8970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc9d8970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Spoonlandia_Blog" /></a></strong> </p> <p dir="ltr">We came up with the idea to place fabric and wallpaper images into the letters that spelled out &quot;Spoonlandia&quot; just like the vintage postcards you might have found while traveling around America back in the day. John found the most helpful&#0160;<strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"><a href="http://designinstruct.com/graphic-design/design-a-retro-postcard-with-3d-text/">tutorial</a> </strong>online that allowed us to easily create this look. So with our photos and concept nailed down, John and I worked on the design side of things until we came up with our final art to be printed on Kona fabric. </p> <p dir="ltr"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee90fdf7b970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="SPOONLANDIA_Front" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee90fdf7b970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee90fdf7b970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="SPOONLANDIA_Front" /></a></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/staff-challenge-2013/" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="Staff_Challenge_Banner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee90ff1c3970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee90ff1c3970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Staff_Challenge_Banner" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><em>Today marks the start of our annual Spoonflower staff challenge in which we turn the proverbial tables and ask the Spoonflower communithy to vote on us for a change. &#0160;This year&#39;s task was to come up with an original fabric design or designs and create a quilt. &#0160;Stephen sorted us all randomly into 15 teams and we got to work. &#0160;Some of us had never made a quilt before, so this proved pretty challenging. &#0160;But I suspect that equally challenging for those of us who are proficient quilters was having to give up a little control and work with a team. &#0160;Regardless of which category we fell into, I&#39;m quite sure that everyone is pleased--and perhaps a bit relieved--to have finished their quilts! &#0160;(Or almost finished. &#0160;Ahem.)</em></span> </p> <p><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is our first blog post in this series of staff challenge projects, and we&#39;ll be posting a few each day before voting opens on Thursday, March 14th. &#0160;We hope you enjoy our quilting adventures!</em></span></p> <hr /> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc644970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Spoonlandia_Final" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc644970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc644970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Spoonlandia_Final" /></a><br />Greetings from Spoonlandia! For our group project, Abbey, John and I (Laurie) went vintage postcard style. We get quite a few visitors here to Spoonflower through tours and classes, so we wanted to created a welcome quilt that our guests will see when they visit. The staff around here affectionately refer to Spoonflower as Spoonlandia, so we included this inside joke on our quilt.&#0160;</p> <p><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc3fb970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Spoonlandia" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc3fb970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc3fb970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Spoonlandia" /></a><br /><br /></strong>John was the mastermind who came up with the postcard theme and Abbey came up with this awesome sketch during one of our early brainstorming sessions. <br /><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"><br /></strong>Several meetings later we decided to shift our concept away from monster Kraken tentacles and onto the fabric and wallpaper that we print here. &#0160;Below are a few shots from the batch of photos I took around the Spoonflower office.<strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"><br /></strong><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"><br /> </strong><strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc9d8970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Spoonlandia_Blog" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc9d8970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c376cc9d8970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Spoonlandia_Blog" /></a></strong> </p> <p dir="ltr">We came up with the idea to place fabric and wallpaper images into the letters that spelled out &quot;Spoonlandia&quot; just like the vintage postcards you might have found while traveling around America back in the day. John found the most helpful&#0160;<strong id="internal-source-marker_0.3877379975747317"><a href="http://designinstruct.com/graphic-design/design-a-retro-postcard-with-3d-text/">tutorial</a> </strong>online that allowed us to easily create this look. So with our photos and concept nailed down, John and I worked on the design side of things until we came up with our final art to be printed on Kona fabric. </p> <p dir="ltr"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee90fdf7b970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="SPOONLANDIA_Front" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee90fdf7b970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee90fdf7b970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="SPOONLANDIA_Front" /></a></p> tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d418b0ba7970c Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-03-06T16:09:47Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8f6cded970dThe Makerie Sewing Prize Bonanza Giveaway!http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-03-06T16:09:47Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://platform.votigo.com/fbsweeps/sweeps/Makerie-Sewing-Prize-Bonanza-Giveaway" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_March6_2013_V2" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c375bd185970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c375bd185970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_March6_2013_V2" /></a></p> <p>Did you miss <a href="http://www.quiltcon.com/">QuiltCon</a> last month or are you maybe just hankering for a slower and more contemplative sewing event? &#0160;If so, you may want to check out <a href="http://themakerie.com/retreats/retreat-211">The Makerie Sewing</a> retreat coming up on April 18-21 in Boulder, Colorado. The Makerie has previously hosted other crafting retreats, but this is their very first sewing- and textiles-only retreat. &#0160;We think this is a great idea, Makerie folks!</p> <p><a href="http://themakerie.com/about/">Ali DeJohn</a>, the Makerie&#39;s founder, says that the Makerie&#39;s &quot;cozy mountain sewing retreat is designed to inspire, encourage and nourish creativity through sensational workshops taught by renowned teachers from around the country.&quot; &#0160;This retreat&#39;s instructor line-up includes some very talented sewists, crafters, and designers indeed! &#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/creating-your-unique-color-story-copy/">Amy Butler</a>,</span>&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/design-your-own-clothes-copy/">Cal Patch</a>,</span>&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/improv-patch/">Heather Jones</a>,</span>&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/illuminated-embroidery-copy/">Jenny Hart</a>,</span>&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/natural-dyeing/">Kaari Meng</a>,</span>&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/smocked-necklace-copy/">Liesl Gibson</a></span>, and&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/smocked-necklace-copy/soft-sculpture-copy/">Tamar Mogendorff</a></span>&#0160;all grace the list of instructors, and participants can take as many as four 4-hour classes during the retreat weekend from these renowned teachers. &#0160;</p> <p>In addition to the creative workshops, retreat participants can join in sessions of wake-up yoga and hiking, then fuel their physical and creative exertions with healthy, locally-sourced organic meals throughout the weekend, all while nestled in the Makerie&#39;s gorgeous location at the base of the Flatiron Mountains in Colorado. &#0160;If you&#39;re craving some time dedicated to creativity and making something with your own two hands, the Makerie Sewing just might be calling your name!</p> <p>To whet your appetite, the Makerie Sewing has wrangled a positively ginormous bunch of prizes from their lovely instructors to give away this week! &#0160;Included in this week&#39;s giveaway are: &#0160;</p> <ul> <li>A copy of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Butlers-Midwest-Modern-Lifestyle/dp/B004KAB83E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1362581260&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=midwest+modern" target="_self">Midwest Modern</a>&#0160;</em>from Amy Butler, along with a set of her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sunblooms-Correspondence-Cards-Amy-Butler/dp/0811856992/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y" target="_self">Sunblooms stationery</a>, <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=51" target="_self">Charm Clutch</a> pattern, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Butler-Cushion-Pillows-Pattern/dp/B004CS4O8A" target="_self">Oval Patchy Pillow</a> pattern, <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=52" target="_self">Must Have Pillows</a> pattern, and <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=38" target="_self">Laptop Cover and MP3 Case</a> pattern</li> <li>From Cal Patch, a copy of&#0160;<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Design---Yourself-Clothes-Patternmaking-Simplified/dp/0307451399/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1362581788&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=design+it+yourself+clothes" target="_self">Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified</a></em></li> <li>From Heather Jones, <a href="http://www.oliveandollie.com/p/patterns.html" target="_self">all 4 of her quilt patterns</a> sent straight to your inbox&#0160;as pdf files</li> <li>From Jenny Hart, a full set of her gorgeous <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/collections/floss/products/sublime-floss-packs-all-palettes" target="_self">Sublime Floss</a> for your embroidery projects</li> <li>From Kaari Meng, fat quarter bundle of her <a href="https://www.frenchgeneral.com/" target="_self">French General</a> &quot;Esprit de Noel&quot; collection</li> <li>From Liesl&#0160;Gibson, the winner&#39;s choice of two&#0160;<a href="http://oliverands.com/" target="_self">Oliver + S</a> and two <a href="http://straightstitchsociety.com/patterns/" target="_self">Straight Stitch Society</a> patterns sent as pdf files</li> <li>From <a href="http://www.tmogy.com/" target="_self">Tamar Mogendorff</a>, one of her lovely bird and birdcage soft sculptures</li> </ul> <p>To enter your name into the drawing for this bonanza of wonderful prizes, just follow the link below. Entries will close next Tuesday, 3/12 and we&#39;ll announce the lucky winner&#39;s name on 3/13. &#0160;Good luck to you all!</p> <p style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://platform.votigo.com/fbsweeps/sweeps/Makerie-Sewing-Prize-Bonanza-Giveaway" target="_self" title="Fill out our entry form for a chance to win."><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>ENTER TO WIN</strong></span></a></p> <hr /> <p>Last week, we offered up five of our <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2013/02/spoonflower-t-shirt-giveaway.html" target="_self">2013 Spoonflower staff t-shirts</a>&#0160;designed by Spoonflower staffer Adam Hunt&#0160;for giveaway, and the winners were&#0160;Kimberly Luongo,&#0160;Jessica Rogers,&#0160;Helen Harrison,&#0160;Peter Krueger, and&#0160;Liesbeth Mol. &#0160;Congratulations, y&#39;all! &#0160;We&#39;ll be in contact soon about your new shirts!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://platform.votigo.com/fbsweeps/sweeps/Makerie-Sewing-Prize-Bonanza-Giveaway" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_March6_2013_V2" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c375bd185970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c375bd185970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_March6_2013_V2" /></a></p> <p>Did you miss <a href="http://www.quiltcon.com/">QuiltCon</a> last month or are you maybe just hankering for a slower and more contemplative sewing event? &#0160;If so, you may want to check out <a href="http://themakerie.com/retreats/retreat-211">The Makerie Sewing</a> retreat coming up on April 18-21 in Boulder, Colorado. The Makerie has previously hosted other crafting retreats, but this is their very first sewing- and textiles-only retreat. &#0160;We think this is a great idea, Makerie folks!</p> <p><a href="http://themakerie.com/about/">Ali DeJohn</a>, the Makerie&#39;s founder, says that the Makerie&#39;s &quot;cozy mountain sewing retreat is designed to inspire, encourage and nourish creativity through sensational workshops taught by renowned teachers from around the country.&quot; &#0160;This retreat&#39;s instructor line-up includes some very talented sewists, crafters, and designers indeed! &#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/creating-your-unique-color-story-copy/">Amy Butler</a>,</span>&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/design-your-own-clothes-copy/">Cal Patch</a>,</span>&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/improv-patch/">Heather Jones</a>,</span>&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/illuminated-embroidery-copy/">Jenny Hart</a>,</span>&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/natural-dyeing/">Kaari Meng</a>,</span>&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/smocked-necklace-copy/">Liesl Gibson</a></span>, and&#0160;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://themakerie.com/retreat/smocked-necklace-copy/soft-sculpture-copy/">Tamar Mogendorff</a></span>&#0160;all grace the list of instructors, and participants can take as many as four 4-hour classes during the retreat weekend from these renowned teachers. &#0160;</p> <p>In addition to the creative workshops, retreat participants can join in sessions of wake-up yoga and hiking, then fuel their physical and creative exertions with healthy, locally-sourced organic meals throughout the weekend, all while nestled in the Makerie&#39;s gorgeous location at the base of the Flatiron Mountains in Colorado. &#0160;If you&#39;re craving some time dedicated to creativity and making something with your own two hands, the Makerie Sewing just might be calling your name!</p> <p>To whet your appetite, the Makerie Sewing has wrangled a positively ginormous bunch of prizes from their lovely instructors to give away this week! &#0160;Included in this week&#39;s giveaway are: &#0160;</p> <ul> <li>A copy of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Butlers-Midwest-Modern-Lifestyle/dp/B004KAB83E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1362581260&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=midwest+modern" target="_self">Midwest Modern</a>&#0160;</em>from Amy Butler, along with a set of her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sunblooms-Correspondence-Cards-Amy-Butler/dp/0811856992/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y" target="_self">Sunblooms stationery</a>, <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=51" target="_self">Charm Clutch</a> pattern, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Butler-Cushion-Pillows-Pattern/dp/B004CS4O8A" target="_self">Oval Patchy Pillow</a> pattern, <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=52" target="_self">Must Have Pillows</a> pattern, and <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=38" target="_self">Laptop Cover and MP3 Case</a> pattern</li> <li>From Cal Patch, a copy of&#0160;<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Design---Yourself-Clothes-Patternmaking-Simplified/dp/0307451399/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1362581788&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=design+it+yourself+clothes" target="_self">Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified</a></em></li> <li>From Heather Jones, <a href="http://www.oliveandollie.com/p/patterns.html" target="_self">all 4 of her quilt patterns</a> sent straight to your inbox&#0160;as pdf files</li> <li>From Jenny Hart, a full set of her gorgeous <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/collections/floss/products/sublime-floss-packs-all-palettes" target="_self">Sublime Floss</a> for your embroidery projects</li> <li>From Kaari Meng, fat quarter bundle of her <a href="https://www.frenchgeneral.com/" target="_self">French General</a> &quot;Esprit de Noel&quot; collection</li> <li>From Liesl&#0160;Gibson, the winner&#39;s choice of two&#0160;<a href="http://oliverands.com/" target="_self">Oliver + S</a> and two <a href="http://straightstitchsociety.com/patterns/" target="_self">Straight Stitch Society</a> patterns sent as pdf files</li> <li>From <a href="http://www.tmogy.com/" target="_self">Tamar Mogendorff</a>, one of her lovely bird and birdcage soft sculptures</li> </ul> <p>To enter your name into the drawing for this bonanza of wonderful prizes, just follow the link below. Entries will close next Tuesday, 3/12 and we&#39;ll announce the lucky winner&#39;s name on 3/13. &#0160;Good luck to you all!</p> <p style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://platform.votigo.com/fbsweeps/sweeps/Makerie-Sewing-Prize-Bonanza-Giveaway" target="_self" title="Fill out our entry form for a chance to win."><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>ENTER TO WIN</strong></span></a></p> <hr /> <p>Last week, we offered up five of our <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2013/02/spoonflower-t-shirt-giveaway.html" target="_self">2013 Spoonflower staff t-shirts</a>&#0160;designed by Spoonflower staffer Adam Hunt&#0160;for giveaway, and the winners were&#0160;Kimberly Luongo,&#0160;Jessica Rogers,&#0160;Helen Harrison,&#0160;Peter Krueger, and&#0160;Liesbeth Mol. &#0160;Congratulations, y&#39;all! &#0160;We&#39;ll be in contact soon about your new shirts!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c371b8967970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-02-26T16:53:02Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab774970cFat Quarter February: Armommy's fabric-covered button projectshttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-02-26T16:53:01Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p><em><span style="color: #800000;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/fat-quarter-february/" target="_self" title="Fat Quarter February posts"><img alt="FatQuarterFeb" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ae8b2970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ae8b2970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="FatQuarterFeb" /></a><br />Fat Quarter February continues this week with a tutorial from Rae Friis at </span><a href="http://www.armommy.com/" target="_self"><span style="color: #0000bf;">Armommy</span></a><span style="color: #800000;"> on how to make fabric-covered buttons from a fat quarter of </span><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1792925" target="_self"><span style="color: #800000;"><span style="color: #0000bf;">pretty patterned circles</span></span></a><span style="color: #800000;">, and then use them in assorted cute projects. &#0160;Enjoy the DIY ideas that Rae shared with us below, and then head on over to her </span><a href="http://www.armommy.com/armommy/making-buttons-with-spoonflower/" target="_self"><span style="color: #0000bf;">blog</span></a><span style="color: #800000;"> to view one more button project!</span></em></p> <hr /> <p>Today’s post is all about buttons! If you haven’t made these fabric-covered cuties before, you are in for a real treat. Why do I love them so much? They&#39;re super-easy to make, require few supplies and once you’ve finished making some, there are endless ways to use them.</p> <p>I’ll get into some project ideas in a bit, but first a button-covering tutorial….</p> <h3> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8c47970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-diy-armommy-" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8c47970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8c47970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-diy-armommy-" /></a><br />SUPPLIES:</h3> <ul> <li>fabric scissors</li> <li><span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/1792925?sell_this=true">this fat quarter of button patterns</a></span></span> (as pictured) or scraps of fabric with small patterns</li> <li>a button-making kit (You&#39;ll need one for each size button you want to make.) My local craft store doesn’t have much of a selection, so I shop for mine on Etsy. &#0160;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bjandlee">This</a></span></span> is a good shop, or just search for “button kit.&quot;</li> </ul> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8e00970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-diy-armommy-storyboard-1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8e00970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8e00970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-diy-armommy-storyboard-1" /></a></p> <h3>INSTRUCTIONS</h3> <p>NOTE: Each button kit includes a mold &amp; pusher along with the button shell and back. You will also find a pattern on the back of the packaging so you know how big to cut your fabric. The button pattern on our fat quarter is made for a 1 ½-inch button. To make a smaller button, just trace and cut around the pattern that came with your buttons!</p> <ol> <li>Get out your supplies. Using the button template, cut the fabric to the appropriate size.</li> <li>Place the button shell over the center of your fabric and lay on top of your button mold. (Our mold is white here.)</li> <li>Using the pusher (ours is blue), push the button shell into the mold. Then tuck the raw fabric edges into the shell and place the button back over the top. </li> <li>Next, use the pusher again to secure the button back. &#0160;Push hard! &#0160;Finally, turn the mold over and pop your new button out!</li> </ol> <p>So cute and simple, right? And like I said, once the buttons are covered there are so many ways to use them.</p> <p>Here are some ideas!</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab0d6970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-earrings-armommy-storyboard-1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab0d6970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab0d6970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-earrings-armommy-storyboard-1" /></a><br />DIY BUTTON EARRINGS</h2> <h3>SUPPLIES:</h3> <p>Fabric covered buttons (12mm), pliers, Crazy Glue (or other similar glue), earring findings (found in the jewelry section of the craft store or on <span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bjandlee">Etsy</a></span></span>). If you or the person you are making these for don’t have pierced ears, look for a clip-on earring back to glue on instead!</p> <h3>DIRECTIONS:</h3> <p>1. Use the pliers to remove the loop from the back of each button. 2. Glue the earring findings to the back of each button and let dry. &#0160;3. Wear or gift with pride!</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9059970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-tufted-armommy-storyboard-1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9059970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9059970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-tufted-armommy-storyboard-1" /></a><br />DIY TUFTED PILLOW</h2> <h3>SUPPLIES:</h3> <p>Large fabric-covered button, tufting or large doll needle, non-stretchy thread or floss, a pillow that needs some tufting, a pencil.</p> <h3>DIRECTIONS:</h3> <p>1. Using a pencil, mark the front and back center of your pillow with a small dot. &#0160;2. Thread the needle. If using a thin thread, double it up a couple of times to make it stronger. (I used 4 strands.) &#0160;3. Poke the needle through your marks, back to front. &#0160;4. Thread the button onto the needle and then back through the pillow. Repeat steps 3 &amp; 4. Cut the thread from your needle and pull the ends of your thread taught so the front is tufted, then tie off! &#0160;5. Find a cute place for your newly tufted pillow!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9118970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-necklace-armommy-storyboard-1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9118970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9118970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-necklace-armommy-storyboard-1" /></a></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;">DIY BUTTON NECKLACE (Perfect for any little ladies in your life!)</h2> <h3>SUPPLIES:</h3> <p>Ribbon or shoelace, fabric-covered buttons in a variety of sizes, hot glue gun, felt and scissors (optional).</p> <h3>DIRECTIONS:</h3> <p>1. Arrange your buttons and hot glue them into an arrangement that pleases you. Let dry. 2. Thread the buttons onto a ribbon or shoelace. 3. If you wish to keep the buttons from moving around &#0160;(as in a bib necklace), then cut felt rounds to the size of the buttons and hot glue them over backs of the buttons to hold them in place on the ribbon. (not pictured)</p> <p>And last but not least...,</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab385970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-banner-armommy-storyboard-1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab385970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab385970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-banner-armommy-storyboard-1" /></a><br />A DIY CIRCLE GARLAND</h2> <p>If you have leftover fabric circles from our <span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/1792925?sell_this=true">fat quarter</a></span></span>, this is a great way to use them!</p> <p>Like most DIY’s, there’s more than one way to skin this cat. For those that are spatially challenged while sewing (like me), here’s a good method.</p> <h3>SUPPLIES:</h3> <p>Sewing machine, thread, strips of lined paper about one-half to one-inch wide (they don&#39;t need to be precise), glue stick, cut fabric circles</p> <h3>DIRECTIONS:</h3> <p>1. Run the glue stick down one long edge of the lined paper strips. (You&#39;ll be stitching down the middle of the paper strips, so gluing along an edge will keep your needle from getting sticky.) &#0160;Arrange the circles along the paper so they are spaced evenly. (We fit 4 circles per strip.) 2. Head to the sewing machine and sew down the center of your circles and the strips they&#39;re attached to. Continue feeding each strip through until they are all sewn together. 3. Carefully tear the lined paper strips from the backs of your circles and hang your new garland!</p> <p>Phew, that was a lot of fun! I hope you enjoyed our fabric-covered button tutorial and DIY projects! &#0160;We&#39;d love to know (in the comments below) how you would use your fabric covered buttons. &#0160;We&#39;d also like to see you over at <span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.armommy.com/">Armommy</a></span></span>&#0160;where we’ve shared one other project idea.</p> <p>Thanks so much for “hangin’” with me on Spoonflower! </p> <p> Xo . Rae</p> <p><em><span style="color: #800000;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/fat-quarter-february/" target="_self" title="Fat Quarter February posts"><img alt="FatQuarterFeb" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ae8b2970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ae8b2970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="FatQuarterFeb" /></a><br />Fat Quarter February continues this week with a tutorial from Rae Friis at </span><a href="http://www.armommy.com/" target="_self"><span style="color: #0000bf;">Armommy</span></a><span style="color: #800000;"> on how to make fabric-covered buttons from a fat quarter of </span><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1792925" target="_self"><span style="color: #800000;"><span style="color: #0000bf;">pretty patterned circles</span></span></a><span style="color: #800000;">, and then use them in assorted cute projects. &#0160;Enjoy the DIY ideas that Rae shared with us below, and then head on over to her </span><a href="http://www.armommy.com/armommy/making-buttons-with-spoonflower/" target="_self"><span style="color: #0000bf;">blog</span></a><span style="color: #800000;"> to view one more button project!</span></em></p> <hr /> <p>Today’s post is all about buttons! If you haven’t made these fabric-covered cuties before, you are in for a real treat. Why do I love them so much? They&#39;re super-easy to make, require few supplies and once you’ve finished making some, there are endless ways to use them.</p> <p>I’ll get into some project ideas in a bit, but first a button-covering tutorial….</p> <h3> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8c47970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-diy-armommy-" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8c47970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8c47970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-diy-armommy-" /></a><br />SUPPLIES:</h3> <ul> <li>fabric scissors</li> <li><span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/1792925?sell_this=true">this fat quarter of button patterns</a></span></span> (as pictured) or scraps of fabric with small patterns</li> <li>a button-making kit (You&#39;ll need one for each size button you want to make.) My local craft store doesn’t have much of a selection, so I shop for mine on Etsy. &#0160;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bjandlee">This</a></span></span> is a good shop, or just search for “button kit.&quot;</li> </ul> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8e00970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-diy-armommy-storyboard-1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8e00970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be8e00970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-diy-armommy-storyboard-1" /></a></p> <h3>INSTRUCTIONS</h3> <p>NOTE: Each button kit includes a mold &amp; pusher along with the button shell and back. You will also find a pattern on the back of the packaging so you know how big to cut your fabric. The button pattern on our fat quarter is made for a 1 ½-inch button. To make a smaller button, just trace and cut around the pattern that came with your buttons!</p> <ol> <li>Get out your supplies. Using the button template, cut the fabric to the appropriate size.</li> <li>Place the button shell over the center of your fabric and lay on top of your button mold. (Our mold is white here.)</li> <li>Using the pusher (ours is blue), push the button shell into the mold. Then tuck the raw fabric edges into the shell and place the button back over the top. </li> <li>Next, use the pusher again to secure the button back. &#0160;Push hard! &#0160;Finally, turn the mold over and pop your new button out!</li> </ol> <p>So cute and simple, right? And like I said, once the buttons are covered there are so many ways to use them.</p> <p>Here are some ideas!</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab0d6970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-earrings-armommy-storyboard-1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab0d6970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab0d6970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-earrings-armommy-storyboard-1" /></a><br />DIY BUTTON EARRINGS</h2> <h3>SUPPLIES:</h3> <p>Fabric covered buttons (12mm), pliers, Crazy Glue (or other similar glue), earring findings (found in the jewelry section of the craft store or on <span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bjandlee">Etsy</a></span></span>). If you or the person you are making these for don’t have pierced ears, look for a clip-on earring back to glue on instead!</p> <h3>DIRECTIONS:</h3> <p>1. Use the pliers to remove the loop from the back of each button. 2. Glue the earring findings to the back of each button and let dry. &#0160;3. Wear or gift with pride!</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9059970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-tufted-armommy-storyboard-1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9059970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9059970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-tufted-armommy-storyboard-1" /></a><br />DIY TUFTED PILLOW</h2> <h3>SUPPLIES:</h3> <p>Large fabric-covered button, tufting or large doll needle, non-stretchy thread or floss, a pillow that needs some tufting, a pencil.</p> <h3>DIRECTIONS:</h3> <p>1. Using a pencil, mark the front and back center of your pillow with a small dot. &#0160;2. Thread the needle. If using a thin thread, double it up a couple of times to make it stronger. (I used 4 strands.) &#0160;3. Poke the needle through your marks, back to front. &#0160;4. Thread the button onto the needle and then back through the pillow. Repeat steps 3 &amp; 4. Cut the thread from your needle and pull the ends of your thread taught so the front is tufted, then tie off! &#0160;5. Find a cute place for your newly tufted pillow!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9118970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-necklace-armommy-storyboard-1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9118970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8be9118970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-necklace-armommy-storyboard-1" /></a></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;">DIY BUTTON NECKLACE (Perfect for any little ladies in your life!)</h2> <h3>SUPPLIES:</h3> <p>Ribbon or shoelace, fabric-covered buttons in a variety of sizes, hot glue gun, felt and scissors (optional).</p> <h3>DIRECTIONS:</h3> <p>1. Arrange your buttons and hot glue them into an arrangement that pleases you. Let dry. 2. Thread the buttons onto a ribbon or shoelace. 3. If you wish to keep the buttons from moving around &#0160;(as in a bib necklace), then cut felt rounds to the size of the buttons and hot glue them over backs of the buttons to hold them in place on the ribbon. (not pictured)</p> <p>And last but not least...,</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab385970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric-button-banner-armommy-storyboard-1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab385970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d414ab385970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric-button-banner-armommy-storyboard-1" /></a><br />A DIY CIRCLE GARLAND</h2> <p>If you have leftover fabric circles from our <span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/1792925?sell_this=true">fat quarter</a></span></span>, this is a great way to use them!</p> <p>Like most DIY’s, there’s more than one way to skin this cat. For those that are spatially challenged while sewing (like me), here’s a good method.</p> <h3>SUPPLIES:</h3> <p>Sewing machine, thread, strips of lined paper about one-half to one-inch wide (they don&#39;t need to be precise), glue stick, cut fabric circles</p> <h3>DIRECTIONS:</h3> <p>1. Run the glue stick down one long edge of the lined paper strips. (You&#39;ll be stitching down the middle of the paper strips, so gluing along an edge will keep your needle from getting sticky.) &#0160;Arrange the circles along the paper so they are spaced evenly. (We fit 4 circles per strip.) 2. Head to the sewing machine and sew down the center of your circles and the strips they&#39;re attached to. Continue feeding each strip through until they are all sewn together. 3. Carefully tear the lined paper strips from the backs of your circles and hang your new garland!</p> <p>Phew, that was a lot of fun! I hope you enjoyed our fabric-covered button tutorial and DIY projects! &#0160;We&#39;d love to know (in the comments below) how you would use your fabric covered buttons. &#0160;We&#39;d also like to see you over at <span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.armommy.com/">Armommy</a></span></span>&#0160;where we’ve shared one other project idea.</p> <p>Thanks so much for “hangin’” with me on Spoonflower! </p> <p> Xo . Rae</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee855bd13970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-02-08T16:03:07Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee85583ce970dFat Quarter February: Armommy's hand warmer projecthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-02-08T16:03:07Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p><a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/fat-quarter-february/"></a></p> <p><a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/fat-quarter-february/"></a></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c36b267c7970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="FatQuarterFeb_BlogBanner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c36b267c7970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c36b267c7970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="FatQuarterFeb_BlogBanner" /></a></p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8558333970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Hand-warmer-valentines-12" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8558333970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8558333970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hand-warmer-valentines-12" /></a><br />Last week, we spotted the most adorably cozy <a href="http://www.armommy.com/holidays/a-little-cozy-goes-a-long-way-and-a-hand-warmer-diy/" target="_self">hand warmer project</a> on the blog of Rae Friis, aka <a href="http://www.armommy.com/" target="_self">Armommy</a>. &#0160;Created to keep the little fingers of her four young children warm and cozy in their coat pockets, <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/1692835" target="_self">Rae&#39;s hand warmer&#0160;design</a> uses just a quarter-yard of fabric to produce 12 little hand warmers, or six sets of two. &#0160;They&#39;re such a cute and easy way to show some love as we approach Valentine&#39;s Day! &#0160;For the full tutorial and a free downloadable insert to turn your hand warmers into the perfect Valentine&#39;s Day present, visit the <a href="http://www.armommy.com/holidays/a-little-cozy-goes-a-long-way-and-a-hand-warmer-diy/" target="_self">Armommy blog</a>.&#0160;</p> <hr /> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d40e0da23970c-pi" style="float: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8559cc4970d-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Armommy sewing-136" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8559cc4970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8559cc4970d-100wi" style="width: 100px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="Armommy sewing-136" /></a><span style="color: #111111;">Rae Friis together with her mother Jane started the Armommy <a href="http://www.armommy.com/" target="_self">company</a>&#0160;to help women be the designing mamacitas they are destined to be! &#0160;They&#0160;create products and offer DIY projects that merge timeless concepts with a modern twist &amp; a little whimsy, finding&#0160;inspiration in their own desires &amp; experiences as moms &amp; those of the mamas they know and serve. &#0160;You can connect with them via the <a href="http://www.armommy.com/blog/" target="_self">Armommy blog</a>, on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ARMOMMY" target="_self">Facebook page</a>&#0160;or via <a href="https://twitter.com/ARMOMMY_LLC" target="_self">Twitter</a>.</span></p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p><a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/fat-quarter-february/"></a></p> <p><a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/fat-quarter-february/"></a></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c36b267c7970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="FatQuarterFeb_BlogBanner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c36b267c7970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c36b267c7970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="FatQuarterFeb_BlogBanner" /></a></p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8558333970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Hand-warmer-valentines-12" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8558333970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8558333970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hand-warmer-valentines-12" /></a><br />Last week, we spotted the most adorably cozy <a href="http://www.armommy.com/holidays/a-little-cozy-goes-a-long-way-and-a-hand-warmer-diy/" target="_self">hand warmer project</a> on the blog of Rae Friis, aka <a href="http://www.armommy.com/" target="_self">Armommy</a>. &#0160;Created to keep the little fingers of her four young children warm and cozy in their coat pockets, <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/1692835" target="_self">Rae&#39;s hand warmer&#0160;design</a> uses just a quarter-yard of fabric to produce 12 little hand warmers, or six sets of two. &#0160;They&#39;re such a cute and easy way to show some love as we approach Valentine&#39;s Day! &#0160;For the full tutorial and a free downloadable insert to turn your hand warmers into the perfect Valentine&#39;s Day present, visit the <a href="http://www.armommy.com/holidays/a-little-cozy-goes-a-long-way-and-a-hand-warmer-diy/" target="_self">Armommy blog</a>.&#0160;</p> <hr /> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d40e0da23970c-pi" style="float: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8559cc4970d-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Armommy sewing-136" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8559cc4970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee8559cc4970d-100wi" style="width: 100px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="Armommy sewing-136" /></a><span style="color: #111111;">Rae Friis together with her mother Jane started the Armommy <a href="http://www.armommy.com/" target="_self">company</a>&#0160;to help women be the designing mamacitas they are destined to be! &#0160;They&#0160;create products and offer DIY projects that merge timeless concepts with a modern twist &amp; a little whimsy, finding&#0160;inspiration in their own desires &amp; experiences as moms &amp; those of the mamas they know and serve. &#0160;You can connect with them via the <a href="http://www.armommy.com/blog/" target="_self">Armommy blog</a>, on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ARMOMMY" target="_self">Facebook page</a>&#0160;or via <a href="https://twitter.com/ARMOMMY_LLC" target="_self">Twitter</a>.</span></p> <p>&#0160;</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee83ebd76970d Kim posted something http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-02-05T14:53:30Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee83ebd73970dhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/comment2013-02-05T14:53:30Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugarCritter pillow slip cut-and-sew pattern tutorialtag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee808ae8a970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-01-29T23:24:52Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c365add06970bCritter pillow slip cut-and-sew pattern tutorialhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-01-29T23:24:51Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p>&#0160;</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee807ca60970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Snuggle" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee807ca60970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee807ca60970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Snuggle" /></a><br /><em><span style="color: #800000;">Back in the day, one might have used a hot water bottle covered in a washable knitted or sewn cover to keep warm on a cold night or to soothe tired muscles. &#0160;These days, little pillows filled with wheat, rice, or another grain that you can warm in a microwave are available for this purpose--and are presumably much less messy than a hot water bottle if they happen to spring a leak!</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="color: #800000;">Stephen and I introduced our young daughters to the habit of snuggling with a warmed wheat critter pillow at bedtime this winter, and they&#39;ve been absolutely thrilled with this extra bit of coziness at night. &#0160; So to spread the coziness around, we recently announced a critter pillow slip cut and sew pattern as a contest theme. &#0160;(The deadline for entry is Tuesday, February 19.) &#0160;Spoonflower staffer Kelsey designed her own tiny, snuggly critter and co-worker Becca stitched it up and wrote a how-to. &#0160;Read on below for the details of their adorable joint project!</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="color: #800000;"></span></em></p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee807ca60970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Snuggle" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee807ca60970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee807ca60970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Snuggle" /></a><br /><em><span style="color: #800000;">Back in the day, one might have used a hot water bottle covered in a washable knitted or sewn cover to keep warm on a cold night or to soothe tired muscles. &#0160;These days, little pillows filled with wheat, rice, or another grain that you can warm in a microwave are available for this purpose--and are presumably much less messy than a hot water bottle if they happen to spring a leak!</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="color: #800000;">Stephen and I introduced our young daughters to the habit of snuggling with a warmed wheat critter pillow at bedtime this winter, and they&#39;ve been absolutely thrilled with this extra bit of coziness at night. &#0160; So to spread the coziness around, we recently announced a critter pillow slip cut and sew pattern as a contest theme. &#0160;(The deadline for entry is Tuesday, February 19.) &#0160;Spoonflower staffer Kelsey designed her own tiny, snuggly critter and co-worker Becca stitched it up and wrote a how-to. &#0160;Read on below for the details of their adorable joint project!</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="color: #800000;"></span></em></p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee803fc85970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-01-29T13:05:48Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047be69970cJanuary Refresh: Heather Dutton's Magnet Board Makeoverhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-01-29T13:05:47Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f701d970b-pi"><img alt="RevapHeader" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f701d970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f701d970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="RevapHeader" /></a></p> <p><span style="color: #800000;">This week, Spoonflower designer </span><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/heatherdutton" target="_self"><span style="color: #800000;">Heather Dutton</span></a><span style="color: #800000;"> of Hang Tight Studio shares an easy but impactful magnet board makeover using Spoonflower decals. &#0160;Read on for the details of Heather&#39;s project, including some extra ideas for using up leftover decal bits at the end of the post!</span></p> <hr /> <p><br /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d405e9211970c-pi"><img alt="Main" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d405e9211970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d405e9211970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Main" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;">When the New Year rolls around, I love tidying up my studio and starting the year off with a fresh space. One thing I desperately needed this year was a special place to hold my to-do lists and reminders since my bulletin boards are jam-packed with new designs I’m working on and inspiration images.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I bought a boring office supply magnet board over the holidays but it looked like something that belonged in a boardroom instead of an art studio.</span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c19d970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 2" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c19d970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c19d970c-320wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 2" /></a><br />So<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> I decided to give it a little help thanks to Spoonflower’s fab wall decals! The whole makeover was easy-peasy! The hardest part of the process was deciding which design to use. Seriously!&#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> There are so many fun patterns to choose from but I kept coming back to &quot;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1267357" target="_self">Old Technology</a>&quot;&#0160;by Michelle Luu (aka, <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/theboutiquestudio" target="_self">Theboutiquestudio</a> on Spoonflower). I love the retro vibe of her design and the vintage phones, cameras and typewriters seemed like a perfect fit for a message center.</span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc04c2970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 3" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc04c2970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc04c2970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 3" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I started off by measuring the length and width of the inside of the board (the magnetic bit) so I’d know what size to cut the decal.</span>&#0160;</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0655970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 4" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0655970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0655970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 4" /></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The decals come with a pre-cut easy peel edge that’s inset a little bit from the outside edge of the paper. This is a great feature but I needed a raw edge to start my measurements from so I trimmed my decal down just inside the pre-cut edge on two sides. </span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c789970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 5" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c789970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c789970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 5" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I flipped the decal over (to the paper side) and, using a T-square on my new raw edge, I measured out the height and width of my board on the back with a pencil. Using a sharp X-Acto blade, I cut the decal to fit my dimensions.</span></p> <p>&#0160; <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618cb46970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 6" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618cb46970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618cb46970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 6" /></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I decided that I wanted to put a small band of my own &quot;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/1396578" target="_self">Off The Grid</a>&quot;&#0160;design at the bottom of my board so I cut the main decal a little shorter than the board, measured the extra space for my second decal, and cut that piece to fit as well.</span>&#0160;Once my pieces were cut, I peeled off the backing and stuck them to the inside of the board. Crazy easy!</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0a51970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 7" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0a51970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0a51970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 7" /></a>I had a couple of decal scraps left over and I couldn’t bear to throw them away so I decided why not go crazy and make a handy pen and paper holder and some coordinating magnet clips? You could use just about anything for a pen/paper holder as long as you can glue a couple of magnets to the back of it. I cut one of the “Old Technology” decal scraps to fit this fun metal tin I had laying around, slapped it on, glued a few magnets to the back and bam! &#0160;Instant coordinating pen and paper holder! Nobody’s going to see the back of the tin so I didn’t worry about making it look pretty.</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618ceb5970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 8" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618ceb5970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618ceb5970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 8" /></a>I’m a bit of a sucker for clothespins so it was a no-brainer to turn a few into coordinating magnet clips! I just traced the shape of the clothespin onto the back of my decal scrap and cut them to fit. I did the same thing for the magnet strip (which is super-easy to cut). The magnet strips are self-adhesive but I used a little glue just to make sure they stayed on. Ta da!!! Your very own coordinating clothespin magnet clips! Wheee!</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047ce87970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 9" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047ce87970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047ce87970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 9" /></a>&#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f7414970b-pi"><img alt="Last" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f7414970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f7414970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Last" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A big thanks to Spoonflower &amp; Michelle Luu at <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/theboutiquestudio" target="_self">Theboutiquestudio</a> for the brilliant decals and fun project!</span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f701d970b-pi"><img alt="RevapHeader" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f701d970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f701d970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="RevapHeader" /></a></p> <p><span style="color: #800000;">This week, Spoonflower designer </span><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/heatherdutton" target="_self"><span style="color: #800000;">Heather Dutton</span></a><span style="color: #800000;"> of Hang Tight Studio shares an easy but impactful magnet board makeover using Spoonflower decals. &#0160;Read on for the details of Heather&#39;s project, including some extra ideas for using up leftover decal bits at the end of the post!</span></p> <hr /> <p><br /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d405e9211970c-pi"><img alt="Main" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d405e9211970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d405e9211970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Main" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;">When the New Year rolls around, I love tidying up my studio and starting the year off with a fresh space. One thing I desperately needed this year was a special place to hold my to-do lists and reminders since my bulletin boards are jam-packed with new designs I’m working on and inspiration images.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I bought a boring office supply magnet board over the holidays but it looked like something that belonged in a boardroom instead of an art studio.</span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c19d970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 2" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c19d970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c19d970c-320wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 2" /></a><br />So<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> I decided to give it a little help thanks to Spoonflower’s fab wall decals! The whole makeover was easy-peasy! The hardest part of the process was deciding which design to use. Seriously!&#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> There are so many fun patterns to choose from but I kept coming back to &quot;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1267357" target="_self">Old Technology</a>&quot;&#0160;by Michelle Luu (aka, <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/theboutiquestudio" target="_self">Theboutiquestudio</a> on Spoonflower). I love the retro vibe of her design and the vintage phones, cameras and typewriters seemed like a perfect fit for a message center.</span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc04c2970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 3" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc04c2970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc04c2970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 3" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I started off by measuring the length and width of the inside of the board (the magnetic bit) so I’d know what size to cut the decal.</span>&#0160;</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0655970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 4" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0655970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0655970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 4" /></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The decals come with a pre-cut easy peel edge that’s inset a little bit from the outside edge of the paper. This is a great feature but I needed a raw edge to start my measurements from so I trimmed my decal down just inside the pre-cut edge on two sides. </span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c789970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 5" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c789970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047c789970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 5" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I flipped the decal over (to the paper side) and, using a T-square on my new raw edge, I measured out the height and width of my board on the back with a pencil. Using a sharp X-Acto blade, I cut the decal to fit my dimensions.</span></p> <p>&#0160; <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618cb46970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 6" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618cb46970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618cb46970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 6" /></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I decided that I wanted to put a small band of my own &quot;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/1396578" target="_self">Off The Grid</a>&quot;&#0160;design at the bottom of my board so I cut the main decal a little shorter than the board, measured the extra space for my second decal, and cut that piece to fit as well.</span>&#0160;Once my pieces were cut, I peeled off the backing and stuck them to the inside of the board. Crazy easy!</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0a51970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 7" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0a51970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee7bc0a51970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 7" /></a>I had a couple of decal scraps left over and I couldn’t bear to throw them away so I decided why not go crazy and make a handy pen and paper holder and some coordinating magnet clips? You could use just about anything for a pen/paper holder as long as you can glue a couple of magnets to the back of it. I cut one of the “Old Technology” decal scraps to fit this fun metal tin I had laying around, slapped it on, glued a few magnets to the back and bam! &#0160;Instant coordinating pen and paper holder! Nobody’s going to see the back of the tin so I didn’t worry about making it look pretty.</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618ceb5970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 8" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618ceb5970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3618ceb5970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 8" /></a>I’m a bit of a sucker for clothespins so it was a no-brainer to turn a few into coordinating magnet clips! I just traced the shape of the clothespin onto the back of my decal scrap and cut them to fit. I did the same thing for the magnet strip (which is super-easy to cut). The magnet strips are self-adhesive but I used a little glue just to make sure they stayed on. Ta da!!! Your very own coordinating clothespin magnet clips! Wheee!</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047ce87970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Photo 9" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047ce87970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d4047ce87970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo 9" /></a>&#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f7414970b-pi"><img alt="Last" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f7414970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c362f7414970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Last" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A big thanks to Spoonflower &amp; Michelle Luu at <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/theboutiquestudio" target="_self">Theboutiquestudio</a> for the brilliant decals and fun project!</span></p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c35f9522d970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-01-18T19:04:20Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c35f95228970bFriday Photo: Spoonflower Warehousehttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-01-18T19:04:20Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee79c8dd9970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Mr_Beck_fabric_rolls" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee79c8dd9970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee79c8dd9970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mr_Beck_fabric_rolls" /></a><br />Our other Stephen--popularly known as &quot;Mr. Beck&quot; around the Spoonflower office--smiles in front of a wall of unprinted fabric rolls in the Spoonflower warehouse. &#0160;He knows it&#39;s Friday. &#0160;</p> <p>Happy weekend, everyone!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee79c8dd9970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Mr_Beck_fabric_rolls" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee79c8dd9970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee79c8dd9970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mr_Beck_fabric_rolls" /></a><br />Our other Stephen--popularly known as &quot;Mr. Beck&quot; around the Spoonflower office--smiles in front of a wall of unprinted fabric rolls in the Spoonflower warehouse. &#0160;He knows it&#39;s Friday. &#0160;</p> <p>Happy weekend, everyone!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c35742e86970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2013-01-08T17:49:55Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f96b5d9970cJanuary refresh: Kelly B.'s bedroom makeoverhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2013-01-08T17:49:55Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f97ea35970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="RevapHeader" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f97ea35970c-500wi" alt="RevapHeader" /><br /><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the second in a series of posts we're running in January on the theme of refreshing, revamping and reorganizing for the new year. Spoonflower staffer <a title="Kelly Baugh " href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/01/meet-spoonflower-introducing-kelly-b.html" target="_blank">Kelly Baugh</a> recently became a proud, first-time homeowner and went right to work on refreshing her tired bedroom. &nbsp;Check out her room's fresh new look below!</em></span> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa36e1b970c-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa36e1b970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bedroom redo" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa36e1b970c-500wi" alt="Bedroom redo" /></a></p> <p>As far back as I can remember I have wanted to own my own home so that I could remodel it and make it my own. I bought a townhouse about six months ago and quickly got to work on what might be the ugliest bedroom ever.</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f96f64e970c-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f96f64e970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kelly_bedroom_before" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f96f64e970c-500wi" alt="Kelly_bedroom_before" /></a></p> <p>Well, maybe not ever, but it wasn’t my taste at all! This was an especially fun project for me to work on because both of my super-talented parents helped me out. To keep the costs low, we did all of the work ourselves! I think the carpet was original to the house built in 1985, so that was the first to go.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa39876970c-popup"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa39876970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Floors and doors" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa39876970c-500wi" alt="Floors and doors" /></a></p> <p>Then my Dad installed laminate wood floors. The new floors coupled with light gray paint, new closet doors, a new fabric-covered headboard, custom drapes made by Mom, and all of my little touches, really pulled the room together.&nbsp;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee717e531970d-popup"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee717e531970d" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kelly's headboard" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee717e531970d-500wi" alt="Kelly's headboard" /></a></p> <p>A fabric covered headboard is a great way to add big impact to a bedroom. I followed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAKxjoi74VE" target="_self">this tutorial</a>&nbsp;which was very helpful. The fabric I used was Holli Zollinger's "<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/381509" target="_self">Gray Circles</a>" printed onto Spoonflower's linen/cotton canvas.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3574ac75970b-pi"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3574ba2e970b-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3574ba2e970b" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Curtains" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3574ba2e970b-500wi" alt="Curtains" /></a></p> <p>I made up my curtains using another Holli Zollinger design called "<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/188651" target="_self">Coral Yellow</a>" printed onto organic cotton sateen. The pillow was sewn from Alicia Vance's "<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/955279" target="_self">Bohemian Mod</a>" printed on heavy cotton twill.</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa1ec12970c-popup"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa24de2970c-popup"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa24de2970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Telephone" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa24de2970c-500wi" alt="Telephone" /></a></p> <p>For my telephone table I looked to Design*Sponge for inspiration and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/03/before-after-mirror-out-of-rulers-telephone-bench.html" target="_self">this one</a>&nbsp;was perfect!&nbsp; I didn't use Spoonflower fabric for this particular project, but Zoelle's "<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/613957" target="_self">Marigold Chevron</a>" printed onto linen/cotton canvas would be very similar to the fabric I used.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee716b5dd970d-popup"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee716b5dd970d" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="RefreshDog" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee716b5dd970d-500wi" alt="RefreshDog" /></a></p> <p>My dog Leo's bed was made from Holli Zollinger's "<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/115197" target="_self">Afro Text</a>" on linen/cotton canvas.</p> <p>I love the simplicity of the room now. It turned out exactly as I'd imagined!&nbsp;</p> <p> <img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f97ea35970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="RevapHeader" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f97ea35970c-500wi" alt="RevapHeader" /><br /><span style="color: #800000;"><em>This is the second in a series of posts we're running in January on the theme of refreshing, revamping and reorganizing for the new year. Spoonflower staffer <a title="Kelly Baugh " href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/01/meet-spoonflower-introducing-kelly-b.html" target="_blank">Kelly Baugh</a> recently became a proud, first-time homeowner and went right to work on refreshing her tired bedroom. &nbsp;Check out her room's fresh new look below!</em></span> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa36e1b970c-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa36e1b970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bedroom redo" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa36e1b970c-500wi" alt="Bedroom redo" /></a></p> <p>As far back as I can remember I have wanted to own my own home so that I could remodel it and make it my own. I bought a townhouse about six months ago and quickly got to work on what might be the ugliest bedroom ever.</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f96f64e970c-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f96f64e970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kelly_bedroom_before" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f96f64e970c-500wi" alt="Kelly_bedroom_before" /></a></p> <p>Well, maybe not ever, but it wasn’t my taste at all! This was an especially fun project for me to work on because both of my super-talented parents helped me out. To keep the costs low, we did all of the work ourselves! I think the carpet was original to the house built in 1985, so that was the first to go.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa39876970c-popup"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa39876970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Floors and doors" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa39876970c-500wi" alt="Floors and doors" /></a></p> <p>Then my Dad installed laminate wood floors. The new floors coupled with light gray paint, new closet doors, a new fabric-covered headboard, custom drapes made by Mom, and all of my little touches, really pulled the room together.&nbsp;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee717e531970d-popup"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee717e531970d" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kelly's headboard" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee717e531970d-500wi" alt="Kelly's headboard" /></a></p> <p>A fabric covered headboard is a great way to add big impact to a bedroom. I followed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAKxjoi74VE" target="_self">this tutorial</a>&nbsp;which was very helpful. The fabric I used was Holli Zollinger's "<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/381509" target="_self">Gray Circles</a>" printed onto Spoonflower's linen/cotton canvas.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3574ac75970b-pi"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3574ba2e970b-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3574ba2e970b" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Curtains" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3574ba2e970b-500wi" alt="Curtains" /></a></p> <p>I made up my curtains using another Holli Zollinger design called "<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/188651" target="_self">Coral Yellow</a>" printed onto organic cotton sateen. The pillow was sewn from Alicia Vance's "<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/955279" target="_self">Bohemian Mod</a>" printed on heavy cotton twill.</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa1ec12970c-popup"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa24de2970c-popup"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa24de2970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Telephone" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3fa24de2970c-500wi" alt="Telephone" /></a></p> <p>For my telephone table I looked to Design*Sponge for inspiration and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/03/before-after-mirror-out-of-rulers-telephone-bench.html" target="_self">this one</a>&nbsp;was perfect!&nbsp; I didn't use Spoonflower fabric for this particular project, but Zoelle's "<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/613957" target="_self">Marigold Chevron</a>" printed onto linen/cotton canvas would be very similar to the fabric I used.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee716b5dd970d-popup"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee716b5dd970d" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="RefreshDog" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee716b5dd970d-500wi" alt="RefreshDog" /></a></p> <p>My dog Leo's bed was made from Holli Zollinger's "<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/115197" target="_self">Afro Text</a>" on linen/cotton canvas.</p> <p>I love the simplicity of the room now. It turned out exactly as I'd imagined!&nbsp;</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c34f41423970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-12-24T14:29:38Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6930821970dTutorial: How to make a fabric chain garlandhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-12-24T14:29:37Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22f0ef970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric_chain" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22f0ef970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22f0ef970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric_chain" /></a><br />My kids and I usually make some kind of handmade ornament every year at Christmas. &#0160;Little painted green trees with clothespin bases and glued-on sequins were one year&#39;s project. &#0160;Then there was the year of the silver pipe cleaner circles with plastic pony beads threaded onto them, among other sweet decorations. &#0160;Many such handmade ornaments cover our tree and house at Christmas time and I love thinking about years past when we bring the ornament boxes down from the attic and crack them open each December. &#0160;</p> <p>But my kids&#39; winter break began last week, Christmas is upon us, and until yesterday, we hadn&#39;t made a single handmade ornament this year. &#0160;Too much busyness should NOT get in the way of our tradition, so even though we&#39;re late in the decoration game this year, I wanted to come up with something quick. &#0160;Fortunately, a fabric chain garland fits the bill. &#0160;It&#39;s fast, doesn&#39;t require busting out the sewing machine, is kid-friendly, and uses up any stray 8-inch test swatches you might have lying around. &#0160;Ready to get started on this down-to-the-wire Chrismtas decoration project? &#0160;Let&#39;s do it!</p> <p>Supplies:</p> <ul> <li>an even number of 8-inch fabric swatches (For this tutorial, I used 10 swatches of Bora&#39;s &quot;The Bunny Band&quot; collection printed onto basic combed cotton which produced a 7-1/2 foot long chain.)</li> </ul> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6936592970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Bora_bunny_band" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6936592970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6936592970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bora_bunny_band" /></a></p> <ul> <li>double-sided lightweight fusible web (I used Lite Steam-a-Seam 2.)</li> <li>as many binder clips, clothespins, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Wonder-Clips-Per-Pack/dp/B004ZKPX8A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1356306073&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=clover+binding+clips" target="_self">Clover wonder clips</a> as you can find</li> <li>fabric glue</li> <li>scissors</li> <li>rotary cutter, cutting mat, and clear acrylic ruler (or just use your scissors and a ruler)</li> </ul> <p>First, trim off the unprinted white areas of the 8-inch swatches and press them. &#0160;The links of this fabric chain will have printed fabric on both sides so decide now how you&#39;ll pair the prints up. &#0160;I paired different colors together so there would be some contrast between inside and outside fabrics, but you could certainly opt to pair them in a more matchy way.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34efe97c970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Paired_swatches" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34efe97c970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34efe97c970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Paired_swatches" /></a><br />Next, unroll the double-sided fusible web and peel back the first layer of paper backing. &#0160;(There should be two paper backing layers.) Tile the five 8-inch swatches you want to use as side one of the chain tops side by side in a row and print side up, with no space left between them. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed16e970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Row_of_swatches" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed16e970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed16e970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Row_of_swatches" /></a><br />The fusible product I used is pressure sensitive, meaning that I could lightly stick the fabric squares into place and reposition them as needed before fusing them permanently with the iron. &#0160;</p> <p>Once these first five swatches are laid out in a line, press them with an iron as directed on the product instructions to adhere the fusible web to the wrong side of the swatch row. &#0160;Trim the excess fusible web and paper backing from the swatch row. &#0160;Check to be sure that the fusible web is adhered to all parts of the swatch row. &#0160;Re-iron areas that seem too loosely adhered. &#0160;Flip the swatch row over now and carefully peel away the second layer of paper backing from the wrong side. &#0160;Be sure not to peel up the fusible stuff, too!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed3db970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="First_set_adhered" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed3db970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed3db970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="First_set_adhered" /></a><br />Now tile the second set of five swatches on top of the first set with wrong sides together, aligning all edges. &#0160;Press again to adhere the fusible web to the back of the second set of swatches and to fuse the two sets of swatches together. &#0160;Here&#39;s where a press cloth may come in handy since you may have stray smidges of fusible web sticking out here and there that will gunk up your iron if it makes contact.</p> <p>Once this second row is fused to the first, you can separate the five sets of swatches from each other. &#0160;I could just gently pull them apart; no need to cut yet. &#0160;You&#39;ll have five 8-inch squares with print on both sides. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6937239970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Double_sided_squares" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6937239970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6937239970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Double_sided_squares" /></a><br />If you see any stray bits of fusible web sticking out from the sides, trim those off.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed698970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Trim_edges" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed698970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed698970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Trim_edges" /></a><br />Again, check to see if there are any areas that seem loosely adhered and re-iron them if necessary. &#0160;</p> <p>Cut each 8-inch square into 8 1-inch strips. &#0160;The fastest way to do this is with an acryclic ruler and rotary cutter, and you can stack them into sets of two to go even faster. &#0160;You&#39;ll end up with a pile of 40 double-sided fabric strips.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1edf44970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pile_of_strips" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1edf44970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1edf44970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pile_of_strips" /></a><br />Now you&#39;re going to turn the strips into chain links! &#0160;Lay down some newspaper to catch glue drips and have ready the fabric strips, glue, and binder clips (or clothespins or Clover wonder clips). &#0160;Lay a thin line of glue across one end of the first fabric strip, about 1/4 inch from the edge. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34effaf3970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Line_of_glue" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34effaf3970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34effaf3970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Line_of_glue" /></a><br />Overlap the other end of the strip to form a circle and clip it to hold it together while the glue dries. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee273970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Clip_into_place" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee273970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee273970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Clip_into_place" /></a><br />Add more links in this manner to build a chain, clipping each link to hold the ends in place while the glue dries. &#0160;Here&#39;s where I realized how kid-friendly this project was. &#0160;My two younger daughters, ages 5 and almost-eight, noticed what I was doing and came over to help me. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee41a970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Girls_help" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee41a970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee41a970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Girls_help" /></a><br />The older of the two girls insisted that she could finish the whole chain on her own after I&#39;d done only the first few links, and then proceeded to do it. &#0160;I had no idea she was such a proficient crafter&#39;--I&#39;m so proud!&#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee5af970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Finishing_chain" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee5af970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee5af970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Finishing_chain" /></a><br />If you run out of clips while making links like we did, just let the first length dry for 20-30 minutes, then remove the clips and keep going with the next length of chain. &#0160;When everything is dry, remove all the clips, hang the chain on your tree or in another place that needs a festive touch, and admire your handiwork--this year and in all the years to come.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22c34d970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric_chain_finished" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22c34d970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22c34d970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric_chain_finished" /></a><br />Merry Christmas to those of you celebrating, and we hope you&#39;re all enjoying a happy and peaceful winter break! &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22f0ef970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric_chain" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22f0ef970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22f0ef970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric_chain" /></a><br />My kids and I usually make some kind of handmade ornament every year at Christmas. &#0160;Little painted green trees with clothespin bases and glued-on sequins were one year&#39;s project. &#0160;Then there was the year of the silver pipe cleaner circles with plastic pony beads threaded onto them, among other sweet decorations. &#0160;Many such handmade ornaments cover our tree and house at Christmas time and I love thinking about years past when we bring the ornament boxes down from the attic and crack them open each December. &#0160;</p> <p>But my kids&#39; winter break began last week, Christmas is upon us, and until yesterday, we hadn&#39;t made a single handmade ornament this year. &#0160;Too much busyness should NOT get in the way of our tradition, so even though we&#39;re late in the decoration game this year, I wanted to come up with something quick. &#0160;Fortunately, a fabric chain garland fits the bill. &#0160;It&#39;s fast, doesn&#39;t require busting out the sewing machine, is kid-friendly, and uses up any stray 8-inch test swatches you might have lying around. &#0160;Ready to get started on this down-to-the-wire Chrismtas decoration project? &#0160;Let&#39;s do it!</p> <p>Supplies:</p> <ul> <li>an even number of 8-inch fabric swatches (For this tutorial, I used 10 swatches of Bora&#39;s &quot;The Bunny Band&quot; collection printed onto basic combed cotton which produced a 7-1/2 foot long chain.)</li> </ul> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6936592970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Bora_bunny_band" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6936592970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6936592970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bora_bunny_band" /></a></p> <ul> <li>double-sided lightweight fusible web (I used Lite Steam-a-Seam 2.)</li> <li>as many binder clips, clothespins, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Wonder-Clips-Per-Pack/dp/B004ZKPX8A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1356306073&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=clover+binding+clips" target="_self">Clover wonder clips</a> as you can find</li> <li>fabric glue</li> <li>scissors</li> <li>rotary cutter, cutting mat, and clear acrylic ruler (or just use your scissors and a ruler)</li> </ul> <p>First, trim off the unprinted white areas of the 8-inch swatches and press them. &#0160;The links of this fabric chain will have printed fabric on both sides so decide now how you&#39;ll pair the prints up. &#0160;I paired different colors together so there would be some contrast between inside and outside fabrics, but you could certainly opt to pair them in a more matchy way.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34efe97c970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Paired_swatches" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34efe97c970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34efe97c970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Paired_swatches" /></a><br />Next, unroll the double-sided fusible web and peel back the first layer of paper backing. &#0160;(There should be two paper backing layers.) Tile the five 8-inch swatches you want to use as side one of the chain tops side by side in a row and print side up, with no space left between them. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed16e970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Row_of_swatches" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed16e970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed16e970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Row_of_swatches" /></a><br />The fusible product I used is pressure sensitive, meaning that I could lightly stick the fabric squares into place and reposition them as needed before fusing them permanently with the iron. &#0160;</p> <p>Once these first five swatches are laid out in a line, press them with an iron as directed on the product instructions to adhere the fusible web to the wrong side of the swatch row. &#0160;Trim the excess fusible web and paper backing from the swatch row. &#0160;Check to be sure that the fusible web is adhered to all parts of the swatch row. &#0160;Re-iron areas that seem too loosely adhered. &#0160;Flip the swatch row over now and carefully peel away the second layer of paper backing from the wrong side. &#0160;Be sure not to peel up the fusible stuff, too!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed3db970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="First_set_adhered" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed3db970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed3db970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="First_set_adhered" /></a><br />Now tile the second set of five swatches on top of the first set with wrong sides together, aligning all edges. &#0160;Press again to adhere the fusible web to the back of the second set of swatches and to fuse the two sets of swatches together. &#0160;Here&#39;s where a press cloth may come in handy since you may have stray smidges of fusible web sticking out here and there that will gunk up your iron if it makes contact.</p> <p>Once this second row is fused to the first, you can separate the five sets of swatches from each other. &#0160;I could just gently pull them apart; no need to cut yet. &#0160;You&#39;ll have five 8-inch squares with print on both sides. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6937239970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Double_sided_squares" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6937239970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee6937239970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Double_sided_squares" /></a><br />If you see any stray bits of fusible web sticking out from the sides, trim those off.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed698970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Trim_edges" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed698970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ed698970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Trim_edges" /></a><br />Again, check to see if there are any areas that seem loosely adhered and re-iron them if necessary. &#0160;</p> <p>Cut each 8-inch square into 8 1-inch strips. &#0160;The fastest way to do this is with an acryclic ruler and rotary cutter, and you can stack them into sets of two to go even faster. &#0160;You&#39;ll end up with a pile of 40 double-sided fabric strips.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1edf44970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pile_of_strips" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1edf44970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1edf44970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pile_of_strips" /></a><br />Now you&#39;re going to turn the strips into chain links! &#0160;Lay down some newspaper to catch glue drips and have ready the fabric strips, glue, and binder clips (or clothespins or Clover wonder clips). &#0160;Lay a thin line of glue across one end of the first fabric strip, about 1/4 inch from the edge. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34effaf3970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Line_of_glue" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34effaf3970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c34effaf3970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Line_of_glue" /></a><br />Overlap the other end of the strip to form a circle and clip it to hold it together while the glue dries. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee273970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Clip_into_place" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee273970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee273970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Clip_into_place" /></a><br />Add more links in this manner to build a chain, clipping each link to hold the ends in place while the glue dries. &#0160;Here&#39;s where I realized how kid-friendly this project was. &#0160;My two younger daughters, ages 5 and almost-eight, noticed what I was doing and came over to help me. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee41a970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Girls_help" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee41a970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee41a970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Girls_help" /></a><br />The older of the two girls insisted that she could finish the whole chain on her own after I&#39;d done only the first few links, and then proceeded to do it. &#0160;I had no idea she was such a proficient crafter&#39;--I&#39;m so proud!&#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee5af970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Finishing_chain" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee5af970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f1ee5af970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Finishing_chain" /></a><br />If you run out of clips while making links like we did, just let the first length dry for 20-30 minutes, then remove the clips and keep going with the next length of chain. &#0160;When everything is dry, remove all the clips, hang the chain on your tree or in another place that needs a festive touch, and admire your handiwork--this year and in all the years to come.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22c34d970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabric_chain_finished" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22c34d970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3f22c34d970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabric_chain_finished" /></a><br />Merry Christmas to those of you celebrating, and we hope you&#39;re all enjoying a happy and peaceful winter break! &#0160;</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c347c4479970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-12-10T21:13:12Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3433b9a4970bTutorial: How to sew a child's baking apronhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-12-10T21:13:11Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb6a2970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Apron_and_smile" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb6a2970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb6a2970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Apron_and_smile" /></a><br />On my Christmas list this year are the two darling daughters, ages 8 and 2, of dear friends of mine. &#0160;It would certainly be easy to buy something for them at the wonderful local toy store around the corner from me, but it&#39;s been awhile since I&#39;ve made anything for these kiddos so I&#39;m thinking something handmade would be nicer. Their mama loves to cook and bake, and I&#39;m imagining a lot of cookie baking projects while the girls are home from school for winter break, so I decided to make up a ric-rac trimmed child-sized baking apron for the 8-year old girl this weekend.</p> <p>For this project, I used my own almost-8-year-old daughter as a model to determine sizing. &#0160;She&#39;s about average weight and on the tall side so I think this apron should fit most 8-year old children, especially since the ties offer some flexibility as the child grows. &#0160;</p> <p>And I&#39;m sure I don&#39;t need to point this out to most of you, but boys like to cook and bake, too! &#0160;Don&#39;t forget the boy-who-would-be-chef in your life, too, as you consider this kid&#39;s apron project.</p> <p><strong>Fabric &amp; Supplies:</strong></p> <ul> <li>I used a yard of Spoonflower organic cotton sateen printed with <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/sonny&amp;bee" target="_self">Sonny&amp;Bee&#39;s</a> <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1240275" target="_self">&quot;Summer time&quot; design</a>. &#0160;I love the slight sheen and softness of our sateen but our basic combed cotton or Kona cotton would also work well.&#0160; Wash and press your fabric before cutting.</li> <li>1 package of medium ric-rac or pretty ribbon (optional)</li> <li>coordinating thread</li> <li>basic sewing supplies--a sewing machine, ruler and rotary cutter or scissors, washable marker or other marking tool, Fray-Check (for the ends of the trim if using)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Cut fabric:</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 piece 8-1/2 X 10-3/4 inches for apron bib</li> <li>1 piece 21-1/2 X 29-3/4 inches for apron skirt</li> <li>4 strips 20 X 2 inches for neck and wasit ties</li> <li>1 piece 5-1/2 inches square for optional (but useful!) pocket</li> </ul> <p>Note: &#0160;If you&#39;re using a directional print that has a right side up, pay attention now to how you cut your fabric so that you don&#39;t end up with upside-down birds or writing or what-have-you.</p> <p><strong>Make the apron ties:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Press in the short sides of all four ties by a scant quarter-inch. &#0160;Then press up the long edges of all four ties a scant quarter inch. &#0160; <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e4e2f970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><br /><br /><img alt="Pressed_tie_edges" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e4e2f970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e4e2f970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pressed_tie_edges" /></a></li> <li>With wrong sides together and matching up the pressed edges, fold each tie in half lenghtwise and press to enclose all raw edges and create 3/4-inch wide ties.&#0160; </li> <li>Now begin edgestitching the ties. &#0160;Start from one short end, pivot at the corner, and stitch the long edge. &#0160;Pivot again at the other corner, sttich the second short edge, and anchor your stitching. &#0160;Repeat with the remaining three ties. &#0160;Set those aside for now.&#0160; <br /><br /><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9b616970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Finished_ties" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9b616970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9b616970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Finished_ties" /></a></li> </ol> <p><strong>Make the pocket:</strong></p> <p>Stitch across the top and bottom edges about&#0160;one-eight inch from the pressed edge. &#0160;Leave the side edges unstitched for now. &#0160;</p> <ol> <li>Press the top and bottom edges of the pocket in a scant quarter-inch, then fold those edges over another scant quarter-inch to enclose them. Press. Repeat with the two side edges.&#0160; <br /><br /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9ae71970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pocket_edges" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9ae71970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9ae71970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pocket_edges" /></a></li> <li>Stitch across the top and bottom edges about&#0160;one-eight inch from the pressed edge. &#0160;Leave the side edges unstitched for now.&#0160; </li> <li>If you&#39;d like to use trim on your pocket, apply it now. &#0160;(I&#39;m a fan of trim on pockets because it makes it easier to locate them quickly.) &#0160;I used medium white irridescent ric-rac because this particular little girl enjoys a little sparkle. &#0160;Set the pocket aside.<br /><br /><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ada85970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pocket_ricrac" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ada85970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ada85970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pocket_ricrac" /></a></li> </ol> <p><strong>Make the apron bib:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Press up the bottom edge of the bib a scant quarter-inch, then fold that edge over into another scant quarter-inch to enclose it. &#0160;Press.&#0160; </li> <li>Next, fold down the top edge down a scant quarter-inch, then press that edge down&#0160;into a one-inch hem.&#0160; </li> <li>Now fold the two side edges of the bib in a scant quarter-inch. &#0160;Fold those side edges in another scant quarter-inch to enclose them. &#0160;Press.&#0160; </li> <li>Stitch down one side of the bib, then along the bottom, then up the second side, pivoting at the corners and keeping your stitching line&#0160;about&#0160;one-eight inch from the pressed edge.&#0160; </li> <li>Finally, stitch down the deeper top hem about one-eighth inch from the pressed edge. <br />&#0160; <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ac998970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Finished_bib_edges" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ac998970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ac998970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Finished_bib_edges" /></a></li> <li>If you&#39;re using trim on the apron bib, you should add it now. &#0160;More ric-rac is good! &#0160;&#0160;</li> </ol> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb05c970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Bib_with_ricrac" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb05c970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb05c970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bib_with_ricrac" /></a><ol> </ol> <p><strong>Make the apron skirt:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Yep, there are more edges to finish but we&#39;re almost down with that now. &#0160;Fold down the top edge of the apron skirt a scant quarter-inch, then fold again another quarter-inch to enclose the raw edge. &#0160;Press.</li> <li>Fold up the bottom hem a scant quarter-inch, then press up a deeper one-inch hem. &#0160;Press.</li> <li>Finally, fold the side edges in a scant quarter-inch, then fold again another quarter-inch to enclose those edges. &#0160;Press.</li> <li>Stitch up one side of the apron skirt, then across the top of the skirt, then down the other side, pivoting at the corners&#0160;and keeping your stitching line&#0160;about&#0160;one-eighth inch from the pressed edge. </li> <li>Stitch across the bottom hem at the folded edge about one-eighth inch from the pressed edge.</li> <li>If you want to add some more trim at the bottom hem of the skirt, now is a good time to do it. &#0160;Phew, all those edges are finished now and it&#39;s time to put it all together!</li> </ol> <p><strong>Putting the apron together:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Lay the apron skirt facing <em>print side down</em>&#0160;(unlike my photo below) and measure the width of the skirt. &#0160;Mark the center point of the top edge&#0160;with a washable marker or pin on the wrong side. &#0160;My skirt measured 20-1/2 inches wide, so I marked a point at 10-1/4 inches. &#0160;(Yes, I accidentally marked my point on the front--good thing that marker was washable!) <br />&#0160; <br /><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98cea970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Skirt_center_point" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98cea970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98cea970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Skirt_center_point" /></a></li> <li>Do the same with the apron bib, but measure and mark the center point along the bottom edge of the bib. &#0160;My bib measured 7 inches wide, so I put a mark at 3-1/2 inches.<br /> &#0160; <br /><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e2139970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Bib_center_point" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e2139970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e2139970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bib_center_point" /></a></li> <li>Overlap the top edge of the apron skirt over the bottom edge of the apron bib about a quarter-inch, aligning the center points and making sure that the finished top edge of the skirt is lined up with the line of stitching at the bottom of the apron bib. &#0160;Pin in place.<br />&#0160; <br /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea992dd970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pin_bib_to_skirt" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea992dd970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea992dd970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pin_bib_to_skirt" /></a></li> <li>Edgestitch the skirt to the apron bib, lining up this new line of stitching with the line of stitching on the apron bib.&#0160; </li> <li>Stitch a second line over the line of stitches visible on the apron skirt and about a quarter-inch below the line of stitches you just put in. &#0160;You should be catching the bottom hem of the bib under this second line of stitches. &#0160;Using two lines of stitching will attach the bib to the skirt a little more securely and will also prevent the apron&#39;s bottom hem from curling up as it&#39;s washed.</li> </ol> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98679970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stitch_bib_to_apron" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98679970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98679970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stitch_bib_to_apron" /></a> <p><strong><br />Add the pocket:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Find the center of the finished pocket at the top edge and mark it with a pin. &#0160;My pocket center was at 2-1/4 inches.&#0160; </li> <li>Lay the apron flat in front of you with the print side up and measure a point three inches down from the left corner where the apron bib meets the skirt. &#0160;Align the pocket center to that point as shown here. <br /><br /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea97ddf970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e0fa2970d-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347aa6b6970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Measure_for_pocket" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347aa6b6970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347aa6b6970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Measure_for_pocket" /></a></li> <li>Pin the pocket in place along its side and bottom edges. &#0160;Edgestitch the pocket to the skirt down one side, across the bottom of the pocket (on top of the existing line of stitches), and then up the other side of the pocket. &#0160;Don&#39;t forget to leave the pocket&#39;s top edge free! &#0160;</li> </ol> <p><strong>Stitch the apron ties in place:</strong></p> <p> Pin the apron ties in place at each top corner of the bib and at the top edges of the apron skirt, about one quarter-inch in from the finished edges of the apron. Be sure to run the waist ties <em>out</em> from the apron skirt and&#0160;the neck ties <em>up</em> from the bib top&#0160;as shown in the photos below.</p> <img alt="Pinning_waist_ties" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347c3c6b970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347c3c6b970b-300wi" style="width: 275px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="Pinning_waist_ties" /> &#0160;&#0160; <img alt="Pinning_neck_ties" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347c3c18970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347c3c18970b-300wi" style="width: 275px; margin: 0px auto 5px;" title="Pinning_neck_ties" /> <p>Once you&#39;ve stitched on the apron ties, you&#39;re all done. &#0160;I hope your apron sees many happy, cozy hours in the kitchen!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb5d9970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Finished_apron" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb5d9970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb5d9970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Finished_apron" /></a></p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb6a2970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Apron_and_smile" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb6a2970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb6a2970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Apron_and_smile" /></a><br />On my Christmas list this year are the two darling daughters, ages 8 and 2, of dear friends of mine. &#0160;It would certainly be easy to buy something for them at the wonderful local toy store around the corner from me, but it&#39;s been awhile since I&#39;ve made anything for these kiddos so I&#39;m thinking something handmade would be nicer. Their mama loves to cook and bake, and I&#39;m imagining a lot of cookie baking projects while the girls are home from school for winter break, so I decided to make up a ric-rac trimmed child-sized baking apron for the 8-year old girl this weekend.</p> <p>For this project, I used my own almost-8-year-old daughter as a model to determine sizing. &#0160;She&#39;s about average weight and on the tall side so I think this apron should fit most 8-year old children, especially since the ties offer some flexibility as the child grows. &#0160;</p> <p>And I&#39;m sure I don&#39;t need to point this out to most of you, but boys like to cook and bake, too! &#0160;Don&#39;t forget the boy-who-would-be-chef in your life, too, as you consider this kid&#39;s apron project.</p> <p><strong>Fabric &amp; Supplies:</strong></p> <ul> <li>I used a yard of Spoonflower organic cotton sateen printed with <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/sonny&amp;bee" target="_self">Sonny&amp;Bee&#39;s</a> <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1240275" target="_self">&quot;Summer time&quot; design</a>. &#0160;I love the slight sheen and softness of our sateen but our basic combed cotton or Kona cotton would also work well.&#0160; Wash and press your fabric before cutting.</li> <li>1 package of medium ric-rac or pretty ribbon (optional)</li> <li>coordinating thread</li> <li>basic sewing supplies--a sewing machine, ruler and rotary cutter or scissors, washable marker or other marking tool, Fray-Check (for the ends of the trim if using)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Cut fabric:</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 piece 8-1/2 X 10-3/4 inches for apron bib</li> <li>1 piece 21-1/2 X 29-3/4 inches for apron skirt</li> <li>4 strips 20 X 2 inches for neck and wasit ties</li> <li>1 piece 5-1/2 inches square for optional (but useful!) pocket</li> </ul> <p>Note: &#0160;If you&#39;re using a directional print that has a right side up, pay attention now to how you cut your fabric so that you don&#39;t end up with upside-down birds or writing or what-have-you.</p> <p><strong>Make the apron ties:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Press in the short sides of all four ties by a scant quarter-inch. &#0160;Then press up the long edges of all four ties a scant quarter inch. &#0160; <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e4e2f970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><br /><br /><img alt="Pressed_tie_edges" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e4e2f970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e4e2f970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pressed_tie_edges" /></a></li> <li>With wrong sides together and matching up the pressed edges, fold each tie in half lenghtwise and press to enclose all raw edges and create 3/4-inch wide ties.&#0160; </li> <li>Now begin edgestitching the ties. &#0160;Start from one short end, pivot at the corner, and stitch the long edge. &#0160;Pivot again at the other corner, sttich the second short edge, and anchor your stitching. &#0160;Repeat with the remaining three ties. &#0160;Set those aside for now.&#0160; <br /><br /><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9b616970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Finished_ties" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9b616970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9b616970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Finished_ties" /></a></li> </ol> <p><strong>Make the pocket:</strong></p> <p>Stitch across the top and bottom edges about&#0160;one-eight inch from the pressed edge. &#0160;Leave the side edges unstitched for now. &#0160;</p> <ol> <li>Press the top and bottom edges of the pocket in a scant quarter-inch, then fold those edges over another scant quarter-inch to enclose them. Press. Repeat with the two side edges.&#0160; <br /><br /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9ae71970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pocket_edges" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9ae71970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea9ae71970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pocket_edges" /></a></li> <li>Stitch across the top and bottom edges about&#0160;one-eight inch from the pressed edge. &#0160;Leave the side edges unstitched for now.&#0160; </li> <li>If you&#39;d like to use trim on your pocket, apply it now. &#0160;(I&#39;m a fan of trim on pockets because it makes it easier to locate them quickly.) &#0160;I used medium white irridescent ric-rac because this particular little girl enjoys a little sparkle. &#0160;Set the pocket aside.<br /><br /><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ada85970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pocket_ricrac" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ada85970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ada85970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pocket_ricrac" /></a></li> </ol> <p><strong>Make the apron bib:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Press up the bottom edge of the bib a scant quarter-inch, then fold that edge over into another scant quarter-inch to enclose it. &#0160;Press.&#0160; </li> <li>Next, fold down the top edge down a scant quarter-inch, then press that edge down&#0160;into a one-inch hem.&#0160; </li> <li>Now fold the two side edges of the bib in a scant quarter-inch. &#0160;Fold those side edges in another scant quarter-inch to enclose them. &#0160;Press.&#0160; </li> <li>Stitch down one side of the bib, then along the bottom, then up the second side, pivoting at the corners and keeping your stitching line&#0160;about&#0160;one-eight inch from the pressed edge.&#0160; </li> <li>Finally, stitch down the deeper top hem about one-eighth inch from the pressed edge. <br />&#0160; <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ac998970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Finished_bib_edges" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ac998970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347ac998970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Finished_bib_edges" /></a></li> <li>If you&#39;re using trim on the apron bib, you should add it now. &#0160;More ric-rac is good! &#0160;&#0160;</li> </ol> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb05c970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Bib_with_ricrac" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb05c970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb05c970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bib_with_ricrac" /></a><ol> </ol> <p><strong>Make the apron skirt:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Yep, there are more edges to finish but we&#39;re almost down with that now. &#0160;Fold down the top edge of the apron skirt a scant quarter-inch, then fold again another quarter-inch to enclose the raw edge. &#0160;Press.</li> <li>Fold up the bottom hem a scant quarter-inch, then press up a deeper one-inch hem. &#0160;Press.</li> <li>Finally, fold the side edges in a scant quarter-inch, then fold again another quarter-inch to enclose those edges. &#0160;Press.</li> <li>Stitch up one side of the apron skirt, then across the top of the skirt, then down the other side, pivoting at the corners&#0160;and keeping your stitching line&#0160;about&#0160;one-eighth inch from the pressed edge. </li> <li>Stitch across the bottom hem at the folded edge about one-eighth inch from the pressed edge.</li> <li>If you want to add some more trim at the bottom hem of the skirt, now is a good time to do it. &#0160;Phew, all those edges are finished now and it&#39;s time to put it all together!</li> </ol> <p><strong>Putting the apron together:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Lay the apron skirt facing <em>print side down</em>&#0160;(unlike my photo below) and measure the width of the skirt. &#0160;Mark the center point of the top edge&#0160;with a washable marker or pin on the wrong side. &#0160;My skirt measured 20-1/2 inches wide, so I marked a point at 10-1/4 inches. &#0160;(Yes, I accidentally marked my point on the front--good thing that marker was washable!) <br />&#0160; <br /><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98cea970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Skirt_center_point" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98cea970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98cea970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Skirt_center_point" /></a></li> <li>Do the same with the apron bib, but measure and mark the center point along the bottom edge of the bib. &#0160;My bib measured 7 inches wide, so I put a mark at 3-1/2 inches.<br /> &#0160; <br /><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e2139970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Bib_center_point" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e2139970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e2139970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bib_center_point" /></a></li> <li>Overlap the top edge of the apron skirt over the bottom edge of the apron bib about a quarter-inch, aligning the center points and making sure that the finished top edge of the skirt is lined up with the line of stitching at the bottom of the apron bib. &#0160;Pin in place.<br />&#0160; <br /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea992dd970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pin_bib_to_skirt" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea992dd970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea992dd970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pin_bib_to_skirt" /></a></li> <li>Edgestitch the skirt to the apron bib, lining up this new line of stitching with the line of stitching on the apron bib.&#0160; </li> <li>Stitch a second line over the line of stitches visible on the apron skirt and about a quarter-inch below the line of stitches you just put in. &#0160;You should be catching the bottom hem of the bib under this second line of stitches. &#0160;Using two lines of stitching will attach the bib to the skirt a little more securely and will also prevent the apron&#39;s bottom hem from curling up as it&#39;s washed.</li> </ol> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98679970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stitch_bib_to_apron" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98679970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea98679970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stitch_bib_to_apron" /></a> <p><strong><br />Add the pocket:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Find the center of the finished pocket at the top edge and mark it with a pin. &#0160;My pocket center was at 2-1/4 inches.&#0160; </li> <li>Lay the apron flat in front of you with the print side up and measure a point three inches down from the left corner where the apron bib meets the skirt. &#0160;Align the pocket center to that point as shown here. <br /><br /> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3ea97ddf970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61e0fa2970d-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347aa6b6970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Measure_for_pocket" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347aa6b6970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347aa6b6970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Measure_for_pocket" /></a></li> <li>Pin the pocket in place along its side and bottom edges. &#0160;Edgestitch the pocket to the skirt down one side, across the bottom of the pocket (on top of the existing line of stitches), and then up the other side of the pocket. &#0160;Don&#39;t forget to leave the pocket&#39;s top edge free! &#0160;</li> </ol> <p><strong>Stitch the apron ties in place:</strong></p> <p> Pin the apron ties in place at each top corner of the bib and at the top edges of the apron skirt, about one quarter-inch in from the finished edges of the apron. Be sure to run the waist ties <em>out</em> from the apron skirt and&#0160;the neck ties <em>up</em> from the bib top&#0160;as shown in the photos below.</p> <img alt="Pinning_waist_ties" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347c3c6b970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347c3c6b970b-300wi" style="width: 275px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="Pinning_waist_ties" /> &#0160;&#0160; <img alt="Pinning_neck_ties" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347c3c18970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c347c3c18970b-300wi" style="width: 275px; margin: 0px auto 5px;" title="Pinning_neck_ties" /> <p>Once you&#39;ve stitched on the apron ties, you&#39;re all done. &#0160;I hope your apron sees many happy, cozy hours in the kitchen!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb5d9970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Finished_apron" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb5d9970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee61fb5d9970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Finished_apron" /></a></p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c344fad9e970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-12-05T21:08:14Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3e7d27a5970cComing Soon...the 12 Days of Giveaways!http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-12-05T21:08:13Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee5f3425a970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Dec5" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee5f3425a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee5f3425a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Dec5" /></a><br />Regular visitors to the Spoonflower blog know that we usually hold a giveaway on Wednesdays. &#0160;Not this week, though--instead we&#39;re ramping up for our second annual 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways! Beginning this Friday morning, we&#39;ll be offering each and every one of you a shot at twelve fabulous prizes that we&#39;re really, <em>really</em> excited about.&#0160; The lineup includes:</p> <ol> <li><a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/welcome_packs/new" target="_blank" title="Spoonflower Welcome Pack ">Spoonflower Welcome Pack</a></li> <li>Modern quilting library, includes <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quilting-Modern-Techniques-Projects-Improvisational/dp/1596683872" target="_blank" title="Quilting Modern ">Quilting Modern</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Patchwork-Quilts-Beyond-Basics/dp/1607055481/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354743528&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=modern+patchwork" target="_blank" title="Modern Patchwork">Modern Patchwork</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Log-Cabin-Quilting-Patchwork/dp/030758657X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354743568&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=modern+log+cabin+quilting" target="_blank" title="Modern Log Cabin Quilting">Modern Log Cabin Quilting</a>&#0160;&#0160;</li> <li><a href="http://www.selvedge.org/default.aspx" target="_blank" title="Selvedge Magazine">Selvedge magazine</a>&#0160;3-year subscription</li> <li>Fiskars bundle of tools, includes <a href="http://www2.fiskars.com/Sewing-Quilting/Products/Scissors-and-Sharpeners/Seamstress-Scissors-8#.UL_DpJPjk1F" target="_blank">seamstress scissors</a>, <a href="http://www2.fiskars.com/Sewing-Quilting/Products/Scissors-and-Sharpeners/Pinking-Shears-9#.UL_ARJPjk1F" target="_blank">pinking shears</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www2.fiskars.com/Sewing-Quilting/Products/Scissors-and-Sharpeners/Stitcher-Scissors-No.-5%23.UL0CmZPjk1E&amp;sa=D&amp;usg=ALhdy2-blVGgJ4RAb8IauvLn8JtBXZLrWQ" target="_blank">stitcher scissors</a>, and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-95237097J-Rotary-Cutting-Set/dp/B000B7K9UI/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354564660&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=fiskars+fabric+cutting+set" target="_blank">rotary cutting set&#0160;</a></li> <li>Kids&#39; sewing kit including a set of sewing tools, thread, and a zipper pouch made with Spoonflower fabric, plus an intro to sewing book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-School-Projects-Kids-Will/dp/1603425780/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354139588&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=sewing+school" target="_blank" title="Sewing School ">Sewing School</a>&#0160;</li> <li>Charitable donations</li> <li>New <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/announcingthe-new-burdastyle-sewing-vintage-modern-book" target="_blank" title="BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern">BurdaStyle book: Sewing Vintage Modern</a>&#0160;+ 4 yards of winner&#39;s choice of fabric</li> <li>Limited edition <a href="http://www.singerco.com/160" target="_blank" title="Singer 160">Singer 160</a> classic sewing machine </li> <li><a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_blank" title="Creativebug">Creativebug</a>&#0160;3-month subscription&#0160;</li> <li>6 <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/c-390-vintage.aspx?pagesize=99999999" target="_blank" title="Vintage Simplicity">vintage Simplicity patterns</a> and 2 <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-8180-simplicity-poster-vintage-1920s.aspx" target="_blank">vintage Simplicity patterns posters</a></li> <li>Curated fabric bundle + <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gutermann-26-Spool-Thread-Box/dp/B0041CJ3O2/ref=sr_1_fed1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354744375&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=gutermann+cotton+thread" target="_blank">Gutermann thread set</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud.edu.html?kw=p&amp;sdid=JRSIL&amp;skwcid=TC|22178|adobe%20creative%20cloud||S|e|14756120200&amp;ef_id=UKuyuwAAXhhQ@-dt:20121205215328:s" target="_blank">Adobe Creative Cloud</a>&#0160;1-year subscription</li> </ol> <p>Details to come and please stay tuned for the start of the 12 Days Of Giveaways on Friday!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee5f3425a970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Dec5" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee5f3425a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee5f3425a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Dec5" /></a><br />Regular visitors to the Spoonflower blog know that we usually hold a giveaway on Wednesdays. &#0160;Not this week, though--instead we&#39;re ramping up for our second annual 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways! Beginning this Friday morning, we&#39;ll be offering each and every one of you a shot at twelve fabulous prizes that we&#39;re really, <em>really</em> excited about.&#0160; The lineup includes:</p> <ol> <li><a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/welcome_packs/new" target="_blank" title="Spoonflower Welcome Pack ">Spoonflower Welcome Pack</a></li> <li>Modern quilting library, includes <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quilting-Modern-Techniques-Projects-Improvisational/dp/1596683872" target="_blank" title="Quilting Modern ">Quilting Modern</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Patchwork-Quilts-Beyond-Basics/dp/1607055481/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354743528&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=modern+patchwork" target="_blank" title="Modern Patchwork">Modern Patchwork</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Log-Cabin-Quilting-Patchwork/dp/030758657X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354743568&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=modern+log+cabin+quilting" target="_blank" title="Modern Log Cabin Quilting">Modern Log Cabin Quilting</a>&#0160;&#0160;</li> <li><a href="http://www.selvedge.org/default.aspx" target="_blank" title="Selvedge Magazine">Selvedge magazine</a>&#0160;3-year subscription</li> <li>Fiskars bundle of tools, includes <a href="http://www2.fiskars.com/Sewing-Quilting/Products/Scissors-and-Sharpeners/Seamstress-Scissors-8#.UL_DpJPjk1F" target="_blank">seamstress scissors</a>, <a href="http://www2.fiskars.com/Sewing-Quilting/Products/Scissors-and-Sharpeners/Pinking-Shears-9#.UL_ARJPjk1F" target="_blank">pinking shears</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www2.fiskars.com/Sewing-Quilting/Products/Scissors-and-Sharpeners/Stitcher-Scissors-No.-5%23.UL0CmZPjk1E&amp;sa=D&amp;usg=ALhdy2-blVGgJ4RAb8IauvLn8JtBXZLrWQ" target="_blank">stitcher scissors</a>, and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-95237097J-Rotary-Cutting-Set/dp/B000B7K9UI/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354564660&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=fiskars+fabric+cutting+set" target="_blank">rotary cutting set&#0160;</a></li> <li>Kids&#39; sewing kit including a set of sewing tools, thread, and a zipper pouch made with Spoonflower fabric, plus an intro to sewing book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-School-Projects-Kids-Will/dp/1603425780/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354139588&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=sewing+school" target="_blank" title="Sewing School ">Sewing School</a>&#0160;</li> <li>Charitable donations</li> <li>New <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/announcingthe-new-burdastyle-sewing-vintage-modern-book" target="_blank" title="BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern">BurdaStyle book: Sewing Vintage Modern</a>&#0160;+ 4 yards of winner&#39;s choice of fabric</li> <li>Limited edition <a href="http://www.singerco.com/160" target="_blank" title="Singer 160">Singer 160</a> classic sewing machine </li> <li><a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_blank" title="Creativebug">Creativebug</a>&#0160;3-month subscription&#0160;</li> <li>6 <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/c-390-vintage.aspx?pagesize=99999999" target="_blank" title="Vintage Simplicity">vintage Simplicity patterns</a> and 2 <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-8180-simplicity-poster-vintage-1920s.aspx" target="_blank">vintage Simplicity patterns posters</a></li> <li>Curated fabric bundle + <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gutermann-26-Spool-Thread-Box/dp/B0041CJ3O2/ref=sr_1_fed1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354744375&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=gutermann+cotton+thread" target="_blank">Gutermann thread set</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud.edu.html?kw=p&amp;sdid=JRSIL&amp;skwcid=TC|22178|adobe%20creative%20cloud||S|e|14756120200&amp;ef_id=UKuyuwAAXhhQ@-dt:20121205215328:s" target="_blank">Adobe Creative Cloud</a>&#0160;1-year subscription</li> </ol> <p>Details to come and please stay tuned for the start of the 12 Days Of Giveaways on Friday!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d3e40f378970c Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-11-28T17:36:17Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee5b563ca970dWe Make Dolls book and fabric giveaway http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-11-28T17:36:17Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151547563679466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="comment for a chance to win"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov28" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c341208fd970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c341208fd970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov28" /></a></p> <p>Things are really hopping in the Spoonflower shop these days! &#0160;The printing and shipping crews are working almost non-stop to get orders out the door before our <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/11/2012-christmas-shipping-deadlines.html" target="_self">shipping deadlines</a>. Then it&#39;s home to work on hand-made gifts with the whirr of sewing machines and the click of knitting needles replacing the sounds of printers, fabric rollers, humidifiers, and packing tape dispensers. &#0160;This time of year is busy--and for us, noisy!</p> <p>Continuing on last week&#39;s giveaway theme of whipping up beautiful hand-sewn holiday gifts, this week we&#39;re giving away a copy of <a href="http://blog.crescendoh.com/" target="_self">Jenny Doh&#39;s</a>&#0160;wonderful&#0160;<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1454702494/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00" target="_self">We Make Dolls</a></em> book plus two yards of your choice of Spoonflower fabric with which you can make up a doll or two. &#0160;My personal favorite doll in this book is <a href="http://mimikirchner.com/blog/" target="_self">Mimi Kirchner&#39;s</a> Tattooed Man which uses a <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/spelunks?type=&amp;q=toile&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" target="_self">toile fabric</a> to replicate the look of a tattooed torso--brilliant!</p> <p>If you&#39;ve got a special little person in your life--or even a not-so-little one--who would appreciate a lovingly sewn doll, just leave your comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151547563679466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a>, and do include your Spoonflower screen name so we can track you down if you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Entries will close next Wednesday, 12/5 and we&#39;ll announce the winner on 12/6. &#0160;Good luck to everyone, and please note that our regularly scheduled Wednesday giveaway will not be happening next week. &#0160;Instead, stay tuned on the blog for the kick-off of our 12 Days of Giveaways beginning 12/7!</p> <p>Last week, we gave away the winner&#39;s choice of a downloadable&#0160;<a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/p/patterns.html" target="_self">Noodlehead bag pattern</a> plus two yards of Spoonflower fabric to make it up in. &#0160;The winner was Alfa García. &#0160;Congratulations, Alfa! &#0160;We hope you make something amazing and much-loved with your prize.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151547563679466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="comment for a chance to win"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov28" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c341208fd970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c341208fd970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov28" /></a></p> <p>Things are really hopping in the Spoonflower shop these days! &#0160;The printing and shipping crews are working almost non-stop to get orders out the door before our <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/11/2012-christmas-shipping-deadlines.html" target="_self">shipping deadlines</a>. Then it&#39;s home to work on hand-made gifts with the whirr of sewing machines and the click of knitting needles replacing the sounds of printers, fabric rollers, humidifiers, and packing tape dispensers. &#0160;This time of year is busy--and for us, noisy!</p> <p>Continuing on last week&#39;s giveaway theme of whipping up beautiful hand-sewn holiday gifts, this week we&#39;re giving away a copy of <a href="http://blog.crescendoh.com/" target="_self">Jenny Doh&#39;s</a>&#0160;wonderful&#0160;<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1454702494/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00" target="_self">We Make Dolls</a></em> book plus two yards of your choice of Spoonflower fabric with which you can make up a doll or two. &#0160;My personal favorite doll in this book is <a href="http://mimikirchner.com/blog/" target="_self">Mimi Kirchner&#39;s</a> Tattooed Man which uses a <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/spelunks?type=&amp;q=toile&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" target="_self">toile fabric</a> to replicate the look of a tattooed torso--brilliant!</p> <p>If you&#39;ve got a special little person in your life--or even a not-so-little one--who would appreciate a lovingly sewn doll, just leave your comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151547563679466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a>, and do include your Spoonflower screen name so we can track you down if you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Entries will close next Wednesday, 12/5 and we&#39;ll announce the winner on 12/6. &#0160;Good luck to everyone, and please note that our regularly scheduled Wednesday giveaway will not be happening next week. &#0160;Instead, stay tuned on the blog for the kick-off of our 12 Days of Giveaways beginning 12/7!</p> <p>Last week, we gave away the winner&#39;s choice of a downloadable&#0160;<a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/p/patterns.html" target="_self">Noodlehead bag pattern</a> plus two yards of Spoonflower fabric to make it up in. &#0160;The winner was Alfa García. &#0160;Congratulations, Alfa! &#0160;We hope you make something amazing and much-loved with your prize.</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c33d6ff42970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-11-21T16:22:58Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c33d6e8be970bNoodlehead bag pattern giveawayhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-11-21T16:22:58Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151534971954466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win!"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov21_V2" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee57a9a8a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee57a9a8a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov21_V2" /></a><br />Just this morning, I was making out a list of gifts I wanted to give to friends and realized that I&#39;ll need to get cracking at this point if I hope to hand-make presents. &#0160;If you find that you&#39;ve been similarly sluggish about your hand-making thus far and need some ideas, you may be pleased to learn about the <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/p/patterns.html" target="_self">Noodlehead</a> line of bag patterns. &#0160;Created by Wisconsin based Anna Graham, these bag patterns aren&#39;t your run-of-the-mill bags. &#0160;My favorites are the <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2011/03/241-tote-pattern.html" target="_self">241 Tote</a> pattern which uses 2-3 contrasting exterior fabrics and features interesting side pockets and, now that my diaper bag days are behind me, the sweet <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2009/08/gathered-clutch-pattern.html" target="_self">Gathered Clutch</a>. &#0160;Since these patterns are emailed as pdf files, you&#39;ll be able to begin your project nearly instantly and (hopefully!) in time for holiday gift-giving.</p> <p>If you&#39;d like to be entered into a drawing for your choice of <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/p/patterns.html" target="_self">Noodlehead bag pattern</a>, just leave your comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151534971954466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a>. &#0160;We&#39;ll also throw in two yards of your choice of Spoonflower fabrics to make up a bag or two. &#0160;As always, please leave your Spoonflower screen name or some other means of tracking you down in your comment&#0160;in case you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 11/27 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 11/28. &#0160;Good luck, all!</p> <p>Last week, we gave away a signed copy of Melody Miller&#39;s new book <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Star-Wrapping-Creating-Packaging/dp/1590309995" target="_self">Ruby Star Wrapping</a></em>, and the winner was&#0160;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/with2fs" target="_self">Steffany Carrabino</a>. &#0160;Congrats, Steffany, and I hope Melody&#39;s book provides you with lots of wrapping inspiration!</p> <p>To all our American peeps at home and abroad, we hope you enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151534971954466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win!"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov21_V2" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee57a9a8a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee57a9a8a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov21_V2" /></a><br />Just this morning, I was making out a list of gifts I wanted to give to friends and realized that I&#39;ll need to get cracking at this point if I hope to hand-make presents. &#0160;If you find that you&#39;ve been similarly sluggish about your hand-making thus far and need some ideas, you may be pleased to learn about the <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/p/patterns.html" target="_self">Noodlehead</a> line of bag patterns. &#0160;Created by Wisconsin based Anna Graham, these bag patterns aren&#39;t your run-of-the-mill bags. &#0160;My favorites are the <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2011/03/241-tote-pattern.html" target="_self">241 Tote</a> pattern which uses 2-3 contrasting exterior fabrics and features interesting side pockets and, now that my diaper bag days are behind me, the sweet <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2009/08/gathered-clutch-pattern.html" target="_self">Gathered Clutch</a>. &#0160;Since these patterns are emailed as pdf files, you&#39;ll be able to begin your project nearly instantly and (hopefully!) in time for holiday gift-giving.</p> <p>If you&#39;d like to be entered into a drawing for your choice of <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/p/patterns.html" target="_self">Noodlehead bag pattern</a>, just leave your comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151534971954466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a>. &#0160;We&#39;ll also throw in two yards of your choice of Spoonflower fabrics to make up a bag or two. &#0160;As always, please leave your Spoonflower screen name or some other means of tracking you down in your comment&#0160;in case you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 11/27 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 11/28. &#0160;Good luck, all!</p> <p>Last week, we gave away a signed copy of Melody Miller&#39;s new book <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Star-Wrapping-Creating-Packaging/dp/1590309995" target="_self">Ruby Star Wrapping</a></em>, and the winner was&#0160;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/with2fs" target="_self">Steffany Carrabino</a>. &#0160;Congrats, Steffany, and I hope Melody&#39;s book provides you with lots of wrapping inspiration!</p> <p>To all our American peeps at home and abroad, we hope you enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c3396c783970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-11-16T18:08:24Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee5382705970dQuiltCon Sweepstakes Winner Chosen!http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-11-16T18:08:24Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3dc573e4970c-pi"><img alt="Winner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3dc573e4970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3dc573e4970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Winner" /></a><br />See the beaming face above? &#0160;It belongs to the happy grand prize winner of our QuiltCon sweepstakes contest, Lisa Higdon of New York. &#0160;Spoonflower will be flying Lisa and one very lucky quilting buddy to Austin, TX for QuiltCon on February 20, 2013 where they&#39;ll enjoy three days of workshops, unlimited lectures and access to the quilt show floor, an &#39;80&#39;s dance party, and a cozy hotel room in downtown Austin within walking distance of all the action. &#0160;</p> <p><a href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3394c2a4970b-pi"></a></p> <p>Lisa is a <a href="http://clearspacesorganizing.com/" target="_self">professional organizer</a> and family and consumer sciences educator and tells us that her&#0160;students have been thrilled to design their own fabrics and actually have them printed with Spoonflower. &#0160;I&#39;m sure that they&#39;ll be as excited about Lisa&#39;s win as we are!</p> <p>We also selected three second prize winners of $150 worth of Spoonflower credit, and those folks were&#0160;Karmen Wai of California, Michelle Melvern in Maryland, and&#0160;Michael Sue BrownKorbel of California. &#0160;Congratulations to you all!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3dc573e4970c-pi"><img alt="Winner" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3dc573e4970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3dc573e4970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Winner" /></a><br />See the beaming face above? &#0160;It belongs to the happy grand prize winner of our QuiltCon sweepstakes contest, Lisa Higdon of New York. &#0160;Spoonflower will be flying Lisa and one very lucky quilting buddy to Austin, TX for QuiltCon on February 20, 2013 where they&#39;ll enjoy three days of workshops, unlimited lectures and access to the quilt show floor, an &#39;80&#39;s dance party, and a cozy hotel room in downtown Austin within walking distance of all the action. &#0160;</p> <p><a href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3394c2a4970b-pi"></a></p> <p>Lisa is a <a href="http://clearspacesorganizing.com/" target="_self">professional organizer</a> and family and consumer sciences educator and tells us that her&#0160;students have been thrilled to design their own fabrics and actually have them printed with Spoonflower. &#0160;I&#39;m sure that they&#39;ll be as excited about Lisa&#39;s win as we are!</p> <p>We also selected three second prize winners of $150 worth of Spoonflower credit, and those folks were&#0160;Karmen Wai of California, Michelle Melvern in Maryland, and&#0160;Michael Sue BrownKorbel of California. &#0160;Congratulations to you all!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee52c53b8970d Kim posted something http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-11-15T20:29:39Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee52c53b7970dhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/comment2012-11-15T20:29:39Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugartag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee51e3c65970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-11-14T19:10:20Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3379aabf970bRuby Star Wrapping Book Giveawayhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-11-14T19:10:20Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151523300044466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="comment for a chance to win"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov14" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee51e37f5970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee51e37f5970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov14" /></a><br />With the limited-release launch of <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/11/spoonflower-gift-wrap-giveaway.html" target="_self">Spoonflower gift wrap</a> last week, we officially have gift-giving on the brain here at Spoonflower HQ! So what better to give away this week than a signed copy of Melody Miller&#39;s new book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Star-Wrapping-Creating-Packaging/dp/1590309995/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1352913081&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=ruby+star+wrapping" target="_self">Ruby Star Wrapping</a>?</em>&#0160;&#0160;<a href="http://melodymiller.typepad.com/" target="_self">Melody Miller</a> is the designer of the popular &quot;Ruby Star&quot; fabric collections released by Japanese fabric company Kokka, and her quirky, vintage-inspired aesthetic comes through on the many projects in this new book co-authored with <a href="http://allisontannery.com/" target="_self">Allison Tannery</a>. &#0160;Gift-wrapping projects are organized according to the size, shape, and squishiness (or lack thereof) of the gift being given, and you&#39;ll find many creative ways of presenting your gifts using fabric, paper, ribbons, and other materials that are lovely, re-usable, and don&#39;t result in bag after bag of paper and refuse being dragged to the curb for disposal.</p> <p>If you&#39;d like a chance to win a copy of this book dedicated completely to the wrapping and presenting of gifts, just comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151523300044466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self" title="comment on Facebook">Facebook post</a>, and include your Spoonflower screen name so we can track you down easily if you&#39;re our winner.&#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 11/20 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 11/21. &#0160;Good luck, to you all!</p> <p>Last week, we gave away a roll of gift wrap to each of three winners, and those lucky folks were Christy Stephens,&#0160;Tawny Regan, and&#0160;Vickie Harmon. &#0160;Congrats to the three of you, and we&#39;ll be in touch soon with details on how to collect your gift wrap!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151523300044466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="comment for a chance to win"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov14" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee51e37f5970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee51e37f5970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov14" /></a><br />With the limited-release launch of <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/11/spoonflower-gift-wrap-giveaway.html" target="_self">Spoonflower gift wrap</a> last week, we officially have gift-giving on the brain here at Spoonflower HQ! So what better to give away this week than a signed copy of Melody Miller&#39;s new book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Star-Wrapping-Creating-Packaging/dp/1590309995/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1352913081&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=ruby+star+wrapping" target="_self">Ruby Star Wrapping</a>?</em>&#0160;&#0160;<a href="http://melodymiller.typepad.com/" target="_self">Melody Miller</a> is the designer of the popular &quot;Ruby Star&quot; fabric collections released by Japanese fabric company Kokka, and her quirky, vintage-inspired aesthetic comes through on the many projects in this new book co-authored with <a href="http://allisontannery.com/" target="_self">Allison Tannery</a>. &#0160;Gift-wrapping projects are organized according to the size, shape, and squishiness (or lack thereof) of the gift being given, and you&#39;ll find many creative ways of presenting your gifts using fabric, paper, ribbons, and other materials that are lovely, re-usable, and don&#39;t result in bag after bag of paper and refuse being dragged to the curb for disposal.</p> <p>If you&#39;d like a chance to win a copy of this book dedicated completely to the wrapping and presenting of gifts, just comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151523300044466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self" title="comment on Facebook">Facebook post</a>, and include your Spoonflower screen name so we can track you down easily if you&#39;re our winner.&#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 11/20 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 11/21. &#0160;Good luck, to you all!</p> <p>Last week, we gave away a roll of gift wrap to each of three winners, and those lucky folks were Christy Stephens,&#0160;Tawny Regan, and&#0160;Vickie Harmon. &#0160;Congrats to the three of you, and we&#39;ll be in touch soon with details on how to collect your gift wrap!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee50fc304970d Kim posted something http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-11-13T16:14:44Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee50fc303970dhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/comment2012-11-13T16:14:44Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugartag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d3d6ba441970c Kim posted something http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-11-08T21:23:46Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d6ba440970chttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/comment2012-11-08T21:23:46Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugartag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c3334965e970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-11-07T19:20:53Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d630f9a970cSpoonflower Gift Wrap Giveawayhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-11-07T19:20:53Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151511331839466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov7" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3334611e970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3334611e970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov7" /></a><br />I have a dear friend who about this time every year begins gloating that not only does she have all her Christmas shopping done, she&#39;s made major headway wrapping everything, too. &#0160;She is one crazy organized individual but perhaps with Halloween behind us, it really is time to start wrapping your brain around holiday gifts and trimmings. &#0160;</p> <p>To aid you in your holiday gift planning, we&#39;re excited to announce that we&#39;ve launched Spoonflower gift wrap! &#0160;This new limited edition Spoonflower product is a lovely one, a heavy-weight, scratch-resistant, satiny paper that can be used to dress up a gift for someone very special or for assorted craft projects where a high-quality paper with a vibrant print is called for. &#0160;In our experiments, we found that tape used on this paper doesn&#39;t pull the print up with it when the tape is removed, so Spoonflower gift wrap is also very reusable and won&#39;t begin to disintegrate when curious little people try to sneak a little peek or when you&#39;re traveling with your gifts.</p> <p>This week, we&#39;ll be selecting three lucky people to win a full roll (36 X 72 inches) of our new gift wrap printed with the Spoonflower marketplace design of their choice. &#0160;To be entered into this drawing, just leave a comment here or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151511331839466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a> and do include your Spoonflower screen name so we can track you down easily if you&#39;re a winner. &#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 11/13 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 11/14. &#0160;Good luck to you all! &#0160;<span style="color: #c00000;"><em>This giveaway is now closed and a winner has been announced.</em></span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151511331839466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov7" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3334611e970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3334611e970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Nov7" /></a><br />I have a dear friend who about this time every year begins gloating that not only does she have all her Christmas shopping done, she&#39;s made major headway wrapping everything, too. &#0160;She is one crazy organized individual but perhaps with Halloween behind us, it really is time to start wrapping your brain around holiday gifts and trimmings. &#0160;</p> <p>To aid you in your holiday gift planning, we&#39;re excited to announce that we&#39;ve launched Spoonflower gift wrap! &#0160;This new limited edition Spoonflower product is a lovely one, a heavy-weight, scratch-resistant, satiny paper that can be used to dress up a gift for someone very special or for assorted craft projects where a high-quality paper with a vibrant print is called for. &#0160;In our experiments, we found that tape used on this paper doesn&#39;t pull the print up with it when the tape is removed, so Spoonflower gift wrap is also very reusable and won&#39;t begin to disintegrate when curious little people try to sneak a little peek or when you&#39;re traveling with your gifts.</p> <p>This week, we&#39;ll be selecting three lucky people to win a full roll (36 X 72 inches) of our new gift wrap printed with the Spoonflower marketplace design of their choice. &#0160;To be entered into this drawing, just leave a comment here or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151511331839466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a> and do include your Spoonflower screen name so we can track you down easily if you&#39;re a winner. &#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 11/13 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 11/14. &#0160;Good luck to you all! &#0160;<span style="color: #c00000;"><em>This giveaway is now closed and a winner has been announced.</em></span></p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee4addb98970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-11-02T20:50:37Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee4ad8d64970dFriday photohttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-11-02T20:50:36Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p style="text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3309310a970b-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee4ad874a970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Danielle_sofa1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee4ad874a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee4ad874a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Danielle_sofa1" /></a><span style="font-size: 8pt; text-align: center;">Danielle relaxing on a sofa reupholstered in her own </span><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/462926" style="font-size: 8pt; text-align: center;" target="_self">Queeny Brass</a><span style="font-size: 8pt; text-align: center;"> design.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">We&#39;ve still got decorating on the brain here at the new Spoonflower office, and just accepted delivery of some beautifully reupholstered furniture all done up in Spoonflower fabrics, of course,&#0160;by Chad&#39;s very&#0160;<a href="http://selectfurniturecompany.com/" target="_self">skilled uncle</a>. Those of you who have been with Spoonflower for awhile may recognize Danielle&#39;s <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/462926" target="_self">Queeny Brass</a> fabric above as the winner of the <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2011/02/danielle-runs-away-with-the-spoonflower-staff-fabric-design-contest.html" target="_self">Spoonflower staff contest</a> way back in February of 2011.&#0160;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3309310a970b-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee4ad874a970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Danielle_sofa1" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee4ad874a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee4ad874a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Danielle_sofa1" /></a><span style="font-size: 8pt; text-align: center;">Danielle relaxing on a sofa reupholstered in her own </span><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/462926" style="font-size: 8pt; text-align: center;" target="_self">Queeny Brass</a><span style="font-size: 8pt; text-align: center;"> design.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">We&#39;ve still got decorating on the brain here at the new Spoonflower office, and just accepted delivery of some beautifully reupholstered furniture all done up in Spoonflower fabrics, of course,&#0160;by Chad&#39;s very&#0160;<a href="http://selectfurniturecompany.com/" target="_self">skilled uncle</a>. Those of you who have been with Spoonflower for awhile may recognize Danielle&#39;s <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/462926" target="_self">Queeny Brass</a> fabric above as the winner of the <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2011/02/danielle-runs-away-with-the-spoonflower-staff-fabric-design-contest.html" target="_self">Spoonflower staff contest</a> way back in February of 2011.&#0160;</span></p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee49bb828970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-10-31T17:43:04Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32f779cf970bGiveaway to the American Red Crosshttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-10-31T17:43:04Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32f7bfab970b-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee49bb561970d-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d2640be970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d26414d970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://www.redcross.org/" target="_self" title="Visit the American Red Cross and make your own donation!"><img alt="Screen Shot 2012-10-31 at 3.51.45 PM" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d26f363970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d26f363970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Screen Shot 2012-10-31 at 3.51.45 PM" /></a><br />We&#39;re seeing some terrible, devastating images coming out of New York and&#0160;New Jersey now in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. &#0160;This monster storm has affected people that we personally know and love, people we know through work, people we feel like we know online, many Spoonflower customers, and millions more. &#0160;It seems out of place somehow to run our usual giveaway today so instead, Spoonflower is sending a $200 donation to the American Red Cross to aid in their Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. &#0160;</p> <p>We really hope that all of you affected by this awful storm will be able to recover and get back to normal lives soon.</p> <p>Last week&#39;s winner of the drawing for two yards of <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/10/cheater-quilt-fabric-giveaway.html" target="_self">cheater quilt fabric</a> is Robin Ihnat. Congratulations, Robin!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32f7bfab970b-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee49bb561970d-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d2640be970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d26414d970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://www.redcross.org/" target="_self" title="Visit the American Red Cross and make your own donation!"><img alt="Screen Shot 2012-10-31 at 3.51.45 PM" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d26f363970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d26f363970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Screen Shot 2012-10-31 at 3.51.45 PM" /></a><br />We&#39;re seeing some terrible, devastating images coming out of New York and&#0160;New Jersey now in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. &#0160;This monster storm has affected people that we personally know and love, people we know through work, people we feel like we know online, many Spoonflower customers, and millions more. &#0160;It seems out of place somehow to run our usual giveaway today so instead, Spoonflower is sending a $200 donation to the American Red Cross to aid in their Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. &#0160;</p> <p>We really hope that all of you affected by this awful storm will be able to recover and get back to normal lives soon.</p> <p>Last week&#39;s winner of the drawing for two yards of <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/10/cheater-quilt-fabric-giveaway.html" target="_self">cheater quilt fabric</a> is Robin Ihnat. Congratulations, Robin!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c32e97268970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-10-29T18:23:04Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d15ee85970cQuick Trick-or-Treat Bag Tutorialhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-10-29T18:23:04Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<span style="color: #800000;">This weekend I spent a couple of hours making up a couple of trick-or-treat bags for my two youngest daughters. &#0160;These festive little bags are sized smaller&#0160;than the average grocery tote bag and should make it easier for younger kids to carry their Halloween candy home--easier for sure than those bulky plastic pumpkins, or a bigger tote that they may be tempted to drag after awhile. After Halloween is over, they can be used for library books, carrying snacks and a water bottle to the park, or whatever else a young, busy person might need a small tote bag for. &#0160;Read on for the fast and easy project instructions below!</span> <br /> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e94dfc970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Finished_bags" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e94dfc970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e94dfc970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Finished_bags" /></a><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Fabric:</strong></p> <p>--one yard of printed linen/cotton canvas for the main body and straps &#0160;(For the bag shown in front above, I used&#0160;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/heidikenney" target="_self">Heidi Kenney&#39;s</a> <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1434600" target="_self">Trick or treat on white</a>&#0160;design. &#0160;The green version used on the bag in back is <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1434557" target="_self">here</a>.)</p> <p>--half-yard of coordinating solid color for the lining &#0160;(I raided my stash for this bit of Kona cotton, so I don&#39;t know which color I used exactly. &#0160;Something dark gray!)</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48c8eb4970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="TrickorTreatBagFabrics" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48c8eb4970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48c8eb4970d-500wi" style="width: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="TrickorTreatBagFabrics" /></a><br />From the printed fabric, cut two main body pieces measuring 13-1/2 inches by 11-1/2 inches and two strap pieces measuring 16 inches X 2-1/2 inches. &#0160;</p> <p>From the lining fabric, cut two pieces measuring&#0160;13-1/2 inches by 11-1/2 inches.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8a83d970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Cut_fabrics" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8a83d970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8a83d970b-320wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cut_fabrics" /></a><br /><strong>Making the straps:</strong></p> <p>1. With wrong sides together (WST), press down a scant quarter-inch along one long edge of the first strap. &#0160;Repeat with the other long side of the same strap. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8ad79970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Straps_with_pressed_edges" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8ad79970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8ad79970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Straps_with_pressed_edges" /></a><br />Fold this strap in half WST with the pressed edges lined up. &#0160;Pin in place (or use some handy-dandy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Wonder-Clips-Per-Pack/dp/B004ZKPX8A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1351521103&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=clover+wonder+clips" target="_self">Clover Wonder Clips</a> as shown below). &#0160;Repeat with the second strap.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ca406970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pin_or_clamp_straps" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ca406970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ca406970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pin_or_clamp_straps" /></a></p> <p>2. Edgestitch along the long edges of the straps, removing the pins or clamps as you come to them. &#0160; If you&#39;re someone who loves symmetry, you can also edgestitch along the other edges to make them matchy-matchy. &#0160;That&#39;s not my style, though, and I was trying to get this bag done before starting on dinner, so I didn&#39;t bother. &#0160;Set those finished straps aside. &#0160;</p> <p><strong>Making the bag body:</strong></p> <p>1. Lay the two main body pieces right sides together (RST), making sure that the print is running right side up on both pieces. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8bc07970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabrics_RST" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8bc07970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8bc07970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabrics_RST" /></a><br />Pin or clamp around the two sides and the bottom of the bag. &#0160;</p> <p>2. Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, stitch around the sides and bottom of the bag. &#0160;Press both side seams of the bag to one side. &#0160;Set aside.</p> <p><strong>Making the bag lining:</strong></p> <p>1. Lay the two solid lining pieces RST (if your solids have an obvious right and wrong side). &#0160;Pin or clamp along both sides, but only <em>partially</em> along the bottom. &#0160;You&#39;re going to leave an unstitched gap of about four inches along the bottom for turning the bag right side out later. &#0160;</p> <p>2. Stitch down one side and partway along the bottom of the lining. &#0160;Anchor your stitches, leave a four-inch gap and then resume stitching along the other side of the bag bottom.</p> <p>3. Continue stitching up the second side of the lining bag. &#0160;Press both side seams of the bag to one side.</p> <p><strong>Creating a boxy bottom for your bag:</strong></p> <p>1. Let&#39;s start with the lining of the bag. &#0160;Pull the front and back fabrics of the lining bag out to the sides so that one of the side seams is now in the middle of the bag in front of you. &#0160;You should see a pointy triangle bit at the top where the side seam comes up in a peak. &#0160;</p> <p>4. Align the side seam in front of you so that for a few inches, it&#39;s lying right on top of the bottom seam underneath the bag. &#0160;Mark a line across and perpendicular to this side seam, about 1-1/2 inches long. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8c918970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Marking_across_bottom_point" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8c918970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8c918970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Marking_across_bottom_point" /></a></p> <p>Pin along this line. &#0160;Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the second bottom corner of the bag.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cba09970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pinning_lines_at_corners" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cba09970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cba09970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pinning_lines_at_corners" /></a><br />5. Stitch across both lines, then cut off the excess triangle about 1/4-inch from the lines you just stitched. &#0160;Set the lining of the bag aside.</p> <p>6. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 above for the main bag. &#0160;You should now have a main body and a lining that have a matching boxy bottom shape. &#0160;&#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cbc62970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Matching_bag_bottoms" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cbc62970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cbc62970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Matching_bag_bottoms" /></a><br /><strong>Putting the bag together:</strong></p> <p>1. Turn the lining bag right side out. &#0160;With RST, insert the lining bag inside the main body bag, poking the boxy corners of the lining bag into the boxy corners of the main bag. &#0160;Match up the side seams of both bags and pin or clamp those in place.</p> <p>2. Grab the first strap and turn the short ends up so that the stitched long side is running along the outside of the strap. &#0160;Be sure at this point that your strap isn&#39;t twisted.</p> <p>3. Pin or clamp the strap between the main body and the lining bags with the outside edges of the strap positioned 2-1/2 inches from each side seam of the bag and strap loop hanging down from the top edges. &#0160;I like to leave the short edges of the strap sticking up just a bit from the raw edges of the bag top so that I can be sure I&#39;m catching them in my seam later. &#0160;The picture below illustrates where the straps should be placed in relation to the seams...&#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8d942970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Strap_placement" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8d942970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8d942970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Strap_placement" /></a>...but do NOT sew them on outside the main bag this way! &#0160;Again, the straps need to be inserted between the main body and the lining bags. &#0160;Once you&#39;ve done so, pin or clamp the strap in place. &#0160;</p> <p>4. Repeat with the second strap on the other side of the bag. &#0160;Then pin or clamp the entire top edge of the bag with the raw main bag and lining edges lined up, the strap edges poking out just a bit, and the side seams of the main bag and lining aligned.</p> <p>5. Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, stitch along the top edge of the bag, removing the pins or clamps as you go and making sure to catch both straps&#39; short edges in your stitching.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d177004970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stitched_top_bag_edge" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d177004970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d177004970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stitched_top_bag_edge" /></a><br />6. Pull the bag lining out of the main bag and turn the bag right side out through the 4-inch opening you left at the bottom of the lining fabric earlier.</p> <p>7. Handstitch the lining opening shut. (Or if you&#39;re feeling lazy like I was, you can machine-stitch very close to the opening edges with thread that matches your lining.) &#0160;Stuff the lining back inside the main bag.</p> <p>8. Press the top edge of the bag, then edgestitch around that top edge. &#0160;This will serve to make the bag look a little more finished and will also strengthen the straps a bit in case the neighbors hand out <em>lots</em> of candy.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ccc54970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Edgestitching_top_of_bag" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ccc54970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ccc54970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edgestitching_top_of_bag" /></a><br />I hope your little goblins enjoy their new trick-or-treat bags as much as mine do. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8e491970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Girls_with_new_bags" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8e491970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8e491970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Girls_with_new_bags" /></a><br />Happy Halloween, everyone!</p> <span style="color: #800000;">This weekend I spent a couple of hours making up a couple of trick-or-treat bags for my two youngest daughters. &#0160;These festive little bags are sized smaller&#0160;than the average grocery tote bag and should make it easier for younger kids to carry their Halloween candy home--easier for sure than those bulky plastic pumpkins, or a bigger tote that they may be tempted to drag after awhile. After Halloween is over, they can be used for library books, carrying snacks and a water bottle to the park, or whatever else a young, busy person might need a small tote bag for. &#0160;Read on for the fast and easy project instructions below!</span> <br /> <hr /> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e94dfc970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Finished_bags" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e94dfc970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e94dfc970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Finished_bags" /></a><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Fabric:</strong></p> <p>--one yard of printed linen/cotton canvas for the main body and straps &#0160;(For the bag shown in front above, I used&#0160;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/heidikenney" target="_self">Heidi Kenney&#39;s</a> <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1434600" target="_self">Trick or treat on white</a>&#0160;design. &#0160;The green version used on the bag in back is <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1434557" target="_self">here</a>.)</p> <p>--half-yard of coordinating solid color for the lining &#0160;(I raided my stash for this bit of Kona cotton, so I don&#39;t know which color I used exactly. &#0160;Something dark gray!)</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48c8eb4970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="TrickorTreatBagFabrics" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48c8eb4970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48c8eb4970d-500wi" style="width: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="TrickorTreatBagFabrics" /></a><br />From the printed fabric, cut two main body pieces measuring 13-1/2 inches by 11-1/2 inches and two strap pieces measuring 16 inches X 2-1/2 inches. &#0160;</p> <p>From the lining fabric, cut two pieces measuring&#0160;13-1/2 inches by 11-1/2 inches.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8a83d970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Cut_fabrics" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8a83d970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8a83d970b-320wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cut_fabrics" /></a><br /><strong>Making the straps:</strong></p> <p>1. With wrong sides together (WST), press down a scant quarter-inch along one long edge of the first strap. &#0160;Repeat with the other long side of the same strap. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8ad79970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Straps_with_pressed_edges" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8ad79970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8ad79970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Straps_with_pressed_edges" /></a><br />Fold this strap in half WST with the pressed edges lined up. &#0160;Pin in place (or use some handy-dandy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Wonder-Clips-Per-Pack/dp/B004ZKPX8A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1351521103&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=clover+wonder+clips" target="_self">Clover Wonder Clips</a> as shown below). &#0160;Repeat with the second strap.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ca406970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pin_or_clamp_straps" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ca406970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ca406970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pin_or_clamp_straps" /></a></p> <p>2. Edgestitch along the long edges of the straps, removing the pins or clamps as you come to them. &#0160; If you&#39;re someone who loves symmetry, you can also edgestitch along the other edges to make them matchy-matchy. &#0160;That&#39;s not my style, though, and I was trying to get this bag done before starting on dinner, so I didn&#39;t bother. &#0160;Set those finished straps aside. &#0160;</p> <p><strong>Making the bag body:</strong></p> <p>1. Lay the two main body pieces right sides together (RST), making sure that the print is running right side up on both pieces. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8bc07970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fabrics_RST" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8bc07970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8bc07970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fabrics_RST" /></a><br />Pin or clamp around the two sides and the bottom of the bag. &#0160;</p> <p>2. Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, stitch around the sides and bottom of the bag. &#0160;Press both side seams of the bag to one side. &#0160;Set aside.</p> <p><strong>Making the bag lining:</strong></p> <p>1. Lay the two solid lining pieces RST (if your solids have an obvious right and wrong side). &#0160;Pin or clamp along both sides, but only <em>partially</em> along the bottom. &#0160;You&#39;re going to leave an unstitched gap of about four inches along the bottom for turning the bag right side out later. &#0160;</p> <p>2. Stitch down one side and partway along the bottom of the lining. &#0160;Anchor your stitches, leave a four-inch gap and then resume stitching along the other side of the bag bottom.</p> <p>3. Continue stitching up the second side of the lining bag. &#0160;Press both side seams of the bag to one side.</p> <p><strong>Creating a boxy bottom for your bag:</strong></p> <p>1. Let&#39;s start with the lining of the bag. &#0160;Pull the front and back fabrics of the lining bag out to the sides so that one of the side seams is now in the middle of the bag in front of you. &#0160;You should see a pointy triangle bit at the top where the side seam comes up in a peak. &#0160;</p> <p>4. Align the side seam in front of you so that for a few inches, it&#39;s lying right on top of the bottom seam underneath the bag. &#0160;Mark a line across and perpendicular to this side seam, about 1-1/2 inches long. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8c918970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Marking_across_bottom_point" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8c918970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8c918970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Marking_across_bottom_point" /></a></p> <p>Pin along this line. &#0160;Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the second bottom corner of the bag.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cba09970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Pinning_lines_at_corners" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cba09970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cba09970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pinning_lines_at_corners" /></a><br />5. Stitch across both lines, then cut off the excess triangle about 1/4-inch from the lines you just stitched. &#0160;Set the lining of the bag aside.</p> <p>6. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 above for the main bag. &#0160;You should now have a main body and a lining that have a matching boxy bottom shape. &#0160;&#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cbc62970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Matching_bag_bottoms" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cbc62970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48cbc62970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Matching_bag_bottoms" /></a><br /><strong>Putting the bag together:</strong></p> <p>1. Turn the lining bag right side out. &#0160;With RST, insert the lining bag inside the main body bag, poking the boxy corners of the lining bag into the boxy corners of the main bag. &#0160;Match up the side seams of both bags and pin or clamp those in place.</p> <p>2. Grab the first strap and turn the short ends up so that the stitched long side is running along the outside of the strap. &#0160;Be sure at this point that your strap isn&#39;t twisted.</p> <p>3. Pin or clamp the strap between the main body and the lining bags with the outside edges of the strap positioned 2-1/2 inches from each side seam of the bag and strap loop hanging down from the top edges. &#0160;I like to leave the short edges of the strap sticking up just a bit from the raw edges of the bag top so that I can be sure I&#39;m catching them in my seam later. &#0160;The picture below illustrates where the straps should be placed in relation to the seams...&#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8d942970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Strap_placement" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8d942970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8d942970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Strap_placement" /></a>...but do NOT sew them on outside the main bag this way! &#0160;Again, the straps need to be inserted between the main body and the lining bags. &#0160;Once you&#39;ve done so, pin or clamp the strap in place. &#0160;</p> <p>4. Repeat with the second strap on the other side of the bag. &#0160;Then pin or clamp the entire top edge of the bag with the raw main bag and lining edges lined up, the strap edges poking out just a bit, and the side seams of the main bag and lining aligned.</p> <p>5. Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, stitch along the top edge of the bag, removing the pins or clamps as you go and making sure to catch both straps&#39; short edges in your stitching.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d177004970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stitched_top_bag_edge" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d177004970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3d177004970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stitched_top_bag_edge" /></a><br />6. Pull the bag lining out of the main bag and turn the bag right side out through the 4-inch opening you left at the bottom of the lining fabric earlier.</p> <p>7. Handstitch the lining opening shut. (Or if you&#39;re feeling lazy like I was, you can machine-stitch very close to the opening edges with thread that matches your lining.) &#0160;Stuff the lining back inside the main bag.</p> <p>8. Press the top edge of the bag, then edgestitch around that top edge. &#0160;This will serve to make the bag look a little more finished and will also strengthen the straps a bit in case the neighbors hand out <em>lots</em> of candy.</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ccc54970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Edgestitching_top_of_bag" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ccc54970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee48ccc54970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edgestitching_top_of_bag" /></a><br />I hope your little goblins enjoy their new trick-or-treat bags as much as mine do. &#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8e491970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Girls_with_new_bags" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8e491970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32e8e491970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Girls_with_new_bags" /></a><br />Happy Halloween, everyone!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d3cf58f23970c Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-10-24T20:00:51Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32c5550f970bCheater Quilt Fabric Giveawayhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-10-24T20:00:51Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee46a08b2970d-pi"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151484051174466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="comment for a chance to win"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Oct24" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32c7059b970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32c7059b970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Oct24" /></a><br />Here in NC, things are starting to look and feel downright cozy lately. &#0160;The leaves are turning colors, temperatures are dropping to extra-blanket-at-night levels, and curling up on the sofa with a quilt to hand-stitch is becoming my preferred activity after the kids have gone to bed. &#0160; <p>With the turn of weather also comes a turn in merchandise in the stores--have you noticed? &#0160;Halloween decorations have been up for quite some time now, but Christmas items are starting to sneak in now, too. &#0160;I can&#39;t say I love being prodded to think about Christmas already but then again, if you make gifts by hand it&#39;s definitely time to be getting going on them!&#0160;</p> <p>The weather turning colder and the onset of holiday hand-making season combine for this week&#39;s giveaway of two yards of the cheater quilt fabric of your choice! &#0160;If you&#39;re our winner, you can choose from among hundreds of <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/shop?view=designs&amp;category=&amp;featured_tag=&amp;sort=&amp;filter=&amp;available=For+Sale&amp;color1=&amp;color2=&amp;tag=&amp;image=design&amp;local=&amp;shop=fabric&amp;t=cheater&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" target="_self">cheater quilt designs</a> on our site printed onto whatever base fabric you think is most cozy, whether you plan to keep the resulting quilt for yourself or turn it into a gift for a deserving loved one. &#0160;To enter this drawing, please just comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151484051174466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a>, and leave your Spoonflower screen name so that we can track you down easily if you win. &#0160;And do tell us what your favorite cheater design is while you&#39;re at it! &#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 10/30 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on Halloween, 10/31. &#0160;Good luck, everyone!</p> <p>Last week, we offered up three copies of <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/" target="_self">MADE</a> blogger Dana Willard&#39;s book <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Essential-Choosing-Fabric-Sewing/dp/1584799560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1351087406&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=fabrics+a+to+z" target="_self">Fabrics A to Z</a></em>, and the three winners were Jo Hobson, Daniele Osterhaus, and Tammy D. Gray. &#0160;Congratulations to you all, and we&#39;ll be in touch soon! &#0160;For those of you who didn&#39;t win Dana&#39;s wonderful sewing resource, check out the adorable <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/10/tutorial-organic-cotton-baby-tanks.html" target="_self">tutorial</a> she put up on the Spoonflower blog Monday showing how to create sweet baby tank tops out of a mere fat quarter of Spoonflower organic cotton interlock knit. &#0160;Dana provided a free, downloadable tank pattern within the tutorial, so you can still get your free fix!</p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee46a08b2970d-pi"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151484051174466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="comment for a chance to win"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Oct24" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32c7059b970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32c7059b970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Oct24" /></a><br />Here in NC, things are starting to look and feel downright cozy lately. &#0160;The leaves are turning colors, temperatures are dropping to extra-blanket-at-night levels, and curling up on the sofa with a quilt to hand-stitch is becoming my preferred activity after the kids have gone to bed. &#0160; <p>With the turn of weather also comes a turn in merchandise in the stores--have you noticed? &#0160;Halloween decorations have been up for quite some time now, but Christmas items are starting to sneak in now, too. &#0160;I can&#39;t say I love being prodded to think about Christmas already but then again, if you make gifts by hand it&#39;s definitely time to be getting going on them!&#0160;</p> <p>The weather turning colder and the onset of holiday hand-making season combine for this week&#39;s giveaway of two yards of the cheater quilt fabric of your choice! &#0160;If you&#39;re our winner, you can choose from among hundreds of <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/shop?view=designs&amp;category=&amp;featured_tag=&amp;sort=&amp;filter=&amp;available=For+Sale&amp;color1=&amp;color2=&amp;tag=&amp;image=design&amp;local=&amp;shop=fabric&amp;t=cheater&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" target="_self">cheater quilt designs</a> on our site printed onto whatever base fabric you think is most cozy, whether you plan to keep the resulting quilt for yourself or turn it into a gift for a deserving loved one. &#0160;To enter this drawing, please just comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151484051174466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a>, and leave your Spoonflower screen name so that we can track you down easily if you win. &#0160;And do tell us what your favorite cheater design is while you&#39;re at it! &#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 10/30 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on Halloween, 10/31. &#0160;Good luck, everyone!</p> <p>Last week, we offered up three copies of <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/" target="_self">MADE</a> blogger Dana Willard&#39;s book <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Essential-Choosing-Fabric-Sewing/dp/1584799560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1351087406&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=fabrics+a+to+z" target="_self">Fabrics A to Z</a></em>, and the three winners were Jo Hobson, Daniele Osterhaus, and Tammy D. Gray. &#0160;Congratulations to you all, and we&#39;ll be in touch soon! &#0160;For those of you who didn&#39;t win Dana&#39;s wonderful sewing resource, check out the adorable <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/10/tutorial-organic-cotton-baby-tanks.html" target="_self">tutorial</a> she put up on the Spoonflower blog Monday showing how to create sweet baby tank tops out of a mere fat quarter of Spoonflower organic cotton interlock knit. &#0160;Dana provided a free, downloadable tank pattern within the tutorial, so you can still get your free fix!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017ee4578d38970d Kim posted something http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-10-22T02:05:30Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee4578d37970dhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/comment2012-10-22T02:05:30Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugarFriday Phototag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c32a7caea970b Kim posted something http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-10-20T01:46:10Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32a7cae9970bhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/comment2012-10-20T01:46:10Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugartag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d3cd4b4c4970c Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-10-19T19:38:21Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cd4b4c1970cFriday Photohttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-10-19T19:38:21Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cd4abee970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Darci and Allie make bunting" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cd4abee970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cd4abee970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Darci and Allie make bunting" /></a><em>Crafty Spoonflower staffers Allie Tate and Darci Moyers show off their bunting.</em> &#0160;</p> <p>About a dozen Spoonflower employees got together last night for the first-ever crafting event in the Spoonflower Greenhouse, an education and crafting space we&#39;ve created in our new, larger office. &#0160;If you&#39;re in NC and want an excuse to come visit, check out upcoming events as they&#39;re created through our&#0160;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/events" target="_self">events page</a>. &#0160;First up is an Open House on 11/3, and we&#39;ll be announcing more sewing and crafting classes soon!</p> <p>Happy weekend, y&#39;all!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cd4abee970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Darci and Allie make bunting" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cd4abee970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cd4abee970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Darci and Allie make bunting" /></a><em>Crafty Spoonflower staffers Allie Tate and Darci Moyers show off their bunting.</em> &#0160;</p> <p>About a dozen Spoonflower employees got together last night for the first-ever crafting event in the Spoonflower Greenhouse, an education and crafting space we&#39;ve created in our new, larger office. &#0160;If you&#39;re in NC and want an excuse to come visit, check out upcoming events as they&#39;re created through our&#0160;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/events" target="_self">events page</a>. &#0160;First up is an Open House on 11/3, and we&#39;ll be announcing more sewing and crafting classes soon!</p> <p>Happy weekend, y&#39;all!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c32989fa3970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-10-17T19:37:50Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a3fda970dFabrics A to Z book giveaway, from Dana Willardhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-10-17T19:37:49Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151471634584466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1&amp;comment_id=10357051" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Oct17" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329827c4970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329827c4970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Oct17" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><br />The Spoonflower blog has been graced lately by virtual visits from some extremely talented guest posters. &#0160;Among them, and up this week, is Dana Willard of the </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/" target="_self"><span style="color: #800000;">Made</span></a><span style="color: #800000;"> blog and author of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Essential-Choosing-Fabric-Sewing/dp/1584799560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1350497540&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=fabrics+a+to+z" target="_self">Fabrics A to Z</a></em> (called&#0160;<em><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Fabric-Selector-Essential-Trimmings/dp/1844487423/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1333465937&amp;sr=8-1" target="_self">The Fabric Selector</a></em> if you&#39;re UK-based). &#0160;Dana has kindly offered to share her experience sewing with knit fabrics here on the blog today in conjunction with a generous giveaway of THREE copies of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Essential-Choosing-Fabric-Sewing/dp/1584799560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1350497540&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=fabrics+a+to+z" target="_self">Fabrics A to Z</a></em>. &#0160;Even if you consider yourself somewhat experienced with knits, you may learn a thing or two from Dana--I know I did! &#0160;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #800000;">Read on for some pointers on knits and details of her book giveaway, and do remember to check out the Spoonflower blog this Monday when Dana will return to share an adorable tutorial using fat quarters of Spoonflower&#39;s organic cotton interlock knit. &#0160;Enjoy!</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><br />Hello Spoonflower friends, I&#39;m Dana from the DIY/Sewing/Design site <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/">MADE</a>.&#0160;</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Like most of you, I love browsing the </span>Spoonflower</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">&#0160;vault for interesting patterns and prints.&#0160; But I only recently discovered that fabrics can be purchased in interlock knit form!&#0160; Did you know that? &#0160;</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">It made me smile, because we all love knit fabrics!&#0160;</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a40d1970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a40d1970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a40d1970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A" /></a><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/summer-vacation-dress" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Shortie</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-sprinkle-shirts.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Sprinkle Shirts</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-hobo-sack.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Hobo Sack</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-90-minute-shirt.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">90 min shirt</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-ruched-leggings-for-girls-and-women.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Ruched Leggings</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/10/then-and-now-me-owen-ernie-and-a-tutorial.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Ernie and Bert Shirts</a></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Knits aren&#39;t fussy, they stretch, they&#39;re unpretentious, and&#0160;they’re just plain comfortable. I&#39;m pretty sure that 75% of our family wardrobe is made up of knit tops and comfy shirts. But just as much as we love the textile, many of us are scared to sew with knits. If you fall into that category, it&#39;s time to put fear aside and embrace the adventure! At least that&#39;s how I look at sewing. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">It&#39;s always an experiment, often fun, sometimes frustrating, but mostly exciting. And when you sew with knits and it works?!...you&#39;ll want to jump for joy and laugh at how mysterious store-bought T-shirts used to seem.</span></p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329889e4970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, &#39;_blank&#39;, &#39;width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0&#39; ); return false"></a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329889e4970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, &#39;_blank&#39;, &#39;width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0&#39; ); return false"><img alt="Dana collage" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329889e4970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329889e4970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dana collage" /></a>&#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160;&#0160;<a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-knee-pad-pants-for-boys-and-girls.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">knee pad pants</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/08/little-yellow-swimsuit.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">yellow ruffle swimsuit</a> <p><strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">What are Knit fabrics?&#0160;</strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Last year I wrote a book called </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/04/my-other-baby-just-came-out.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><em>Fabrics A to Z</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">,</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> which outlines over 150 fabric types, how to sew with them, wash them, press them, which needles to use, all the nitty gritty. &#0160;The fabrics are categorized by fiber content and also by the methods in which they were created: either knit or woven.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Knit fabrics are created in much the same way as a hand-knitted scarf, with needles that link yarns together in connecting loops. &#0160;But the yarns used in knit fabrics are much more narrow than those used to create a sweater. &#0160;Look closely at a T-shirt and you’ll see the small tiny loops and ribs I&#39;m referring to.&#0160; All these tiny connecting loops are what make knit fabrics stretchy (and the reason why we love them).&#0160; But there are a few knits that have very little stretch, such as double-knit fabric.&#0160; These are referred to as “stable knits”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f360970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32966b53970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A5" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32966b53970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32966b53970b-300wi" style="width: 275px;" title="A5" /> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f43b970c-pi" style="float: right;"><img alt="A6" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f43b970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f43b970c-300wi" style="width: 275px; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;" title="A6" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f360970c-pi" style="display: inline;"></a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32966b53970b-pi" style="display: inline;"></a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f43b970c-pi" style="float: right;">&#0160;</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/09/kcwc-yellow-vest.html">fleece vest</a> • <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/10/baby-gift-set-1.html">baby boy gift set</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Stretchy knits are called “unstable knits” and can be categorized even further into </span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><em>two-way</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> or </span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><em>four-way</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> stretch, depending on how many directions the fabric will stretch. Spandex has amazing 4-way stretch and can be pulled up to seven times its length then bounces right back to its original shape.&#0160;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f6c3970c-pi" style="float: left;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f833970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f882970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A8" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f882970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f882970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A8" /></a><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2011/07/sewing-for-me-jersey-beach-dress.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">jersey beach dress</a></p> <p><strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Knit fabric types</strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">My <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/04/my-other-baby-just-came-out.html">book</a> goes into much more detail about the different types of knits, but here&#39;s a quick breakdown of the most common knits you&#39;ll come across:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Jersey</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> is the standard t-shirt fabric. It&#39;s lightweight to medium-weight and can be used for most knit garments.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Jersey with Spandex</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> has fantastic stretch and can feel a bit slinky.&#0160; I recently used some for the above <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2011/07/sewing-for-me-jersey-beach-dress.html">beach cover-up</a> and loved it. <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Interlock</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> is a bit thicker than jersey and is great for blankets, skirts, shirts, and lightweight jackets/cardigans, (and a secret project I&#39;m sharing here on Spoonflower next week). &#0160;The knits sold here on Spoonflower are organic cotton interlock and are absolutely wonderful, soft, and dreamy.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Fleece</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> can be used for so many things...vests, jackets, pillows, blankets, scarves, hats, embellishments.&#0160; Fleece comes in varying weights and fibers.&#0160; Some pill, some don&#39;t.&#0160; They&#39;re a forgiving fabric, easily hiding mistakes under the fluffy surface.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Ribbing</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> is used for the cuffs and collars on most shirts.&#0160; I always love to have a variety of colors on-hand.&#0160; Whenever it&#39;s on sale at the store I buy a 1/2 yard of my favorite shades.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Lycra/Spandex</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> is wonderful for swimsuits and leotards.&#0160; And though it might sound scary to sew one...just go for it!&#0160; The first time I made a swimsuit I sort of made it up as I went and it was really fun!</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329670b2970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="A9" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329670b2970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329670b2970b-300wi" style="width: 275px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="A9" /></a></span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32967169970b-pi" style="float: right;"><img alt="A10" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32967169970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32967169970b-300wi" style="width: 275px; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;" title="A10" /></a></p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p>&#0160;<span style="text-align: center;">&#0160;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2009/08/otter-pop-dots.html">otter pop dots suit</a> • <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-90-minute-shirt.html">90 Minute Shirt</a> •&#0160; <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/01/sytyc-week-8-new-years-parade-jackets-and-cousins.html">fleece jackets</a></span></p> <p><strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">KNIT sewing Do&#39;s and Dont&#39;s</strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Now before I get technical, let&#39;s not get technical.&#0160; I’m a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants sewer.&#0160; I’m supposed to tell you fancy things like use a ball needle or a walking foot but I don’t do either.&#0160; I just sew with a normal needle, normal sewing machine, standard foot, and get going.&#0160; And it works!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>&#0160; </strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">But if you&#39;re a bullet points kind of person, here you go....</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fb7e970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A11" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fb7e970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fb7e970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A11" /></a><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2011/06/striped-jammies-tutorial-tips-and-a-bedtime-story.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif; text-align: center;">Goodnight Moon jammies and story</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2011/06/striped-jammies-tutorial-tips-and-a-bedtime-story.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif; text-align: center;"></a><strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">DO:</strong></p> <p><strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">&#0160;</strong><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">• Let the fabric feed itself through the machine.&#0160; If you tug it, the fabric will stretch and pucker (unless that’s the look you’re going for).</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">&#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">• Use a ball needle so it doesn&#39;t snag the fabric as you go (but note above that I just use what I have on-hand).</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">• When using knits as an applique, sew slowly and stop every so often to lift the presser foot and allow the fabric underneath to relax and bounce back in place.&#0160; If you try to sew a circle shape of knit fabric in one big swoop you’ll end up with a wonky looking project.</span><span style="text-align: center;">&#0160;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a5300970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A12" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a5300970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a5300970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A12" /></a><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/07/tutorial-ruffle-blanket.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">ruffle blanket tutorial</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">&#0160;</span></p> <p>&#0160;<strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">DON&#39;T:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">• Be scared. What&#39;s the worst that can happen?&#0160; Your machine eats a piece of fabric and you toss it in the can? Totally worth it since next time you’ll be more armed and more skilled to create what you originally had in mind.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fd33970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A13" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fd33970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fd33970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A13" /></a><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/08/llttle-entrepreneur.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">little entrepreneur tank</a></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">And that&#39;s Knits 101, in a nutshell. &#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Do you feel ready to jump in with two feet?&#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Let&#39;s do it! &#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">To get you started, today we&#39;re giving away three copies of my book <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Essential-Choosing-Fabric-Sewing/dp/1584799560/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1350475438&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=fabrics+a+to+z" target="_self">Fabrics A to Z</a></em>! &#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">And for a whole slew of sewing of ideas, check out my tutorials page </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/tutorials" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">.</span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a54ef970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A14" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a54ef970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a54ef970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A14" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-family: Arial,serif; color: #800000;">Thanks, Dana! If you&#39;d like to be entered into the drawing to win one of three copies of Dana Willard&#39;s book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Essential-Choosing-Fabric-Sewing/dp/1584799560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1350497540&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=fabrics+a+to+z" target="_self">Fabrics A to Z</a></em>, just leave your comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151471634584466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1&amp;comment_id=10357051" target="_self">Facebook post</a> and do include your Spoonflower screen name so that we can track you down if you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Entries will close next Tuesday, 10/23 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 10/24. &#0160;Good luck, fabric enthusiasts!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #800000;">Last week, we gave three winners their choice of the top ten designs in our Zombie Plush Toy Fabric of the Week contest. &#0160;The winners are Baily Witwer, Mashca Slot, and Sue Clearfield. &#0160;Congratulations to the three of you, and we&#39;ll be in touch soon!</span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151471634584466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1&amp;comment_id=10357051" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Oct17" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329827c4970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329827c4970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Oct17" /></a><span style="color: #800000;"><br />The Spoonflower blog has been graced lately by virtual visits from some extremely talented guest posters. &#0160;Among them, and up this week, is Dana Willard of the </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/" target="_self"><span style="color: #800000;">Made</span></a><span style="color: #800000;"> blog and author of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Essential-Choosing-Fabric-Sewing/dp/1584799560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1350497540&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=fabrics+a+to+z" target="_self">Fabrics A to Z</a></em> (called&#0160;<em><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Fabric-Selector-Essential-Trimmings/dp/1844487423/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1333465937&amp;sr=8-1" target="_self">The Fabric Selector</a></em> if you&#39;re UK-based). &#0160;Dana has kindly offered to share her experience sewing with knit fabrics here on the blog today in conjunction with a generous giveaway of THREE copies of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Essential-Choosing-Fabric-Sewing/dp/1584799560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1350497540&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=fabrics+a+to+z" target="_self">Fabrics A to Z</a></em>. &#0160;Even if you consider yourself somewhat experienced with knits, you may learn a thing or two from Dana--I know I did! &#0160;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #800000;">Read on for some pointers on knits and details of her book giveaway, and do remember to check out the Spoonflower blog this Monday when Dana will return to share an adorable tutorial using fat quarters of Spoonflower&#39;s organic cotton interlock knit. &#0160;Enjoy!</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><br />Hello Spoonflower friends, I&#39;m Dana from the DIY/Sewing/Design site <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/">MADE</a>.&#0160;</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Like most of you, I love browsing the </span>Spoonflower</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">&#0160;vault for interesting patterns and prints.&#0160; But I only recently discovered that fabrics can be purchased in interlock knit form!&#0160; Did you know that? &#0160;</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">It made me smile, because we all love knit fabrics!&#0160;</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a40d1970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a40d1970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a40d1970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A" /></a><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/summer-vacation-dress" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Shortie</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-sprinkle-shirts.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Sprinkle Shirts</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-hobo-sack.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Hobo Sack</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-90-minute-shirt.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">90 min shirt</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-ruched-leggings-for-girls-and-women.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Ruched Leggings</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/10/then-and-now-me-owen-ernie-and-a-tutorial.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Ernie and Bert Shirts</a></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Knits aren&#39;t fussy, they stretch, they&#39;re unpretentious, and&#0160;they’re just plain comfortable. I&#39;m pretty sure that 75% of our family wardrobe is made up of knit tops and comfy shirts. But just as much as we love the textile, many of us are scared to sew with knits. If you fall into that category, it&#39;s time to put fear aside and embrace the adventure! At least that&#39;s how I look at sewing. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">It&#39;s always an experiment, often fun, sometimes frustrating, but mostly exciting. And when you sew with knits and it works?!...you&#39;ll want to jump for joy and laugh at how mysterious store-bought T-shirts used to seem.</span></p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329889e4970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, &#39;_blank&#39;, &#39;width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0&#39; ); return false"></a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329889e4970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, &#39;_blank&#39;, &#39;width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0&#39; ); return false"><img alt="Dana collage" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329889e4970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329889e4970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dana collage" /></a>&#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160; &#0160;&#0160;<a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-knee-pad-pants-for-boys-and-girls.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">knee pad pants</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> • </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/08/little-yellow-swimsuit.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">yellow ruffle swimsuit</a> <p><strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">What are Knit fabrics?&#0160;</strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Last year I wrote a book called </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/04/my-other-baby-just-came-out.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><em>Fabrics A to Z</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">,</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> which outlines over 150 fabric types, how to sew with them, wash them, press them, which needles to use, all the nitty gritty. &#0160;The fabrics are categorized by fiber content and also by the methods in which they were created: either knit or woven.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Knit fabrics are created in much the same way as a hand-knitted scarf, with needles that link yarns together in connecting loops. &#0160;But the yarns used in knit fabrics are much more narrow than those used to create a sweater. &#0160;Look closely at a T-shirt and you’ll see the small tiny loops and ribs I&#39;m referring to.&#0160; All these tiny connecting loops are what make knit fabrics stretchy (and the reason why we love them).&#0160; But there are a few knits that have very little stretch, such as double-knit fabric.&#0160; These are referred to as “stable knits”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f360970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32966b53970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A5" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32966b53970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32966b53970b-300wi" style="width: 275px;" title="A5" /> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f43b970c-pi" style="float: right;"><img alt="A6" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f43b970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f43b970c-300wi" style="width: 275px; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;" title="A6" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f360970c-pi" style="display: inline;"></a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32966b53970b-pi" style="display: inline;"></a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f43b970c-pi" style="float: right;">&#0160;</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/09/kcwc-yellow-vest.html">fleece vest</a> • <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/10/baby-gift-set-1.html">baby boy gift set</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Stretchy knits are called “unstable knits” and can be categorized even further into </span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><em>two-way</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> or </span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><em>four-way</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> stretch, depending on how many directions the fabric will stretch. Spandex has amazing 4-way stretch and can be pulled up to seven times its length then bounces right back to its original shape.&#0160;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f6c3970c-pi" style="float: left;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f833970c-pi" style="display: inline;"> </a><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f882970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A8" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f882970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4f882970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A8" /></a><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2011/07/sewing-for-me-jersey-beach-dress.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">jersey beach dress</a></p> <p><strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Knit fabric types</strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">My <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/04/my-other-baby-just-came-out.html">book</a> goes into much more detail about the different types of knits, but here&#39;s a quick breakdown of the most common knits you&#39;ll come across:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Jersey</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> is the standard t-shirt fabric. It&#39;s lightweight to medium-weight and can be used for most knit garments.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Jersey with Spandex</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> has fantastic stretch and can feel a bit slinky.&#0160; I recently used some for the above <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2011/07/sewing-for-me-jersey-beach-dress.html">beach cover-up</a> and loved it. <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Interlock</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> is a bit thicker than jersey and is great for blankets, skirts, shirts, and lightweight jackets/cardigans, (and a secret project I&#39;m sharing here on Spoonflower next week). &#0160;The knits sold here on Spoonflower are organic cotton interlock and are absolutely wonderful, soft, and dreamy.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Fleece</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> can be used for so many things...vests, jackets, pillows, blankets, scarves, hats, embellishments.&#0160; Fleece comes in varying weights and fibers.&#0160; Some pill, some don&#39;t.&#0160; They&#39;re a forgiving fabric, easily hiding mistakes under the fluffy surface.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Ribbing</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> is used for the cuffs and collars on most shirts.&#0160; I always love to have a variety of colors on-hand.&#0160; Whenever it&#39;s on sale at the store I buy a 1/2 yard of my favorite shades.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>Lycra/Spandex</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> is wonderful for swimsuits and leotards.&#0160; And though it might sound scary to sew one...just go for it!&#0160; The first time I made a swimsuit I sort of made it up as I went and it was really fun!</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329670b2970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="A9" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329670b2970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c329670b2970b-300wi" style="width: 275px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="A9" /></a></span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32967169970b-pi" style="float: right;"><img alt="A10" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32967169970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c32967169970b-300wi" style="width: 275px; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;" title="A10" /></a></p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p>&#0160;</p> <p>&#0160;<span style="text-align: center;">&#0160;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2009/08/otter-pop-dots.html">otter pop dots suit</a> • <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-90-minute-shirt.html">90 Minute Shirt</a> •&#0160; <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/01/sytyc-week-8-new-years-parade-jackets-and-cousins.html">fleece jackets</a></span></p> <p><strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">KNIT sewing Do&#39;s and Dont&#39;s</strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Now before I get technical, let&#39;s not get technical.&#0160; I’m a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants sewer.&#0160; I’m supposed to tell you fancy things like use a ball needle or a walking foot but I don’t do either.&#0160; I just sew with a normal needle, normal sewing machine, standard foot, and get going.&#0160; And it works!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><strong>&#0160; </strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">But if you&#39;re a bullet points kind of person, here you go....</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fb7e970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A11" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fb7e970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fb7e970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A11" /></a><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2011/06/striped-jammies-tutorial-tips-and-a-bedtime-story.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif; text-align: center;">Goodnight Moon jammies and story</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2011/06/striped-jammies-tutorial-tips-and-a-bedtime-story.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif; text-align: center;"></a><strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">DO:</strong></p> <p><strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">&#0160;</strong><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">• Let the fabric feed itself through the machine.&#0160; If you tug it, the fabric will stretch and pucker (unless that’s the look you’re going for).</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">&#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">• Use a ball needle so it doesn&#39;t snag the fabric as you go (but note above that I just use what I have on-hand).</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">• When using knits as an applique, sew slowly and stop every so often to lift the presser foot and allow the fabric underneath to relax and bounce back in place.&#0160; If you try to sew a circle shape of knit fabric in one big swoop you’ll end up with a wonky looking project.</span><span style="text-align: center;">&#0160;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a5300970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A12" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a5300970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a5300970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A12" /></a><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/07/tutorial-ruffle-blanket.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">ruffle blanket tutorial</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">&#0160;</span></p> <p>&#0160;<strong style="font-family: Arial, serif;">DON&#39;T:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">• Be scared. What&#39;s the worst that can happen?&#0160; Your machine eats a piece of fabric and you toss it in the can? Totally worth it since next time you’ll be more armed and more skilled to create what you originally had in mind.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fd33970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A13" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fd33970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3cc4fd33970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A13" /></a><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/08/llttle-entrepreneur.html" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">little entrepreneur tank</a></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">And that&#39;s Knits 101, in a nutshell. &#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Do you feel ready to jump in with two feet?&#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Let&#39;s do it! &#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">To get you started, today we&#39;re giving away three copies of my book <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Essential-Choosing-Fabric-Sewing/dp/1584799560/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1350475438&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=fabrics+a+to+z" target="_self">Fabrics A to Z</a></em>! &#0160;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">And for a whole slew of sewing of ideas, check out my tutorials page </span><a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/tutorials" style="font-family: Arial, serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">.</span></p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a54ef970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="A14" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a54ef970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee43a54ef970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A14" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-family: Arial,serif; color: #800000;">Thanks, Dana! If you&#39;d like to be entered into the drawing to win one of three copies of Dana Willard&#39;s book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Essential-Choosing-Fabric-Sewing/dp/1584799560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1350497540&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=fabrics+a+to+z" target="_self">Fabrics A to Z</a></em>, just leave your comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151471634584466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1&amp;comment_id=10357051" target="_self">Facebook post</a> and do include your Spoonflower screen name so that we can track you down if you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Entries will close next Tuesday, 10/23 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 10/24. &#0160;Good luck, fabric enthusiasts!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #800000;">Last week, we gave three winners their choice of the top ten designs in our Zombie Plush Toy Fabric of the Week contest. &#0160;The winners are Baily Witwer, Mashca Slot, and Sue Clearfield. &#0160;Congratulations to the three of you, and we&#39;ll be in touch soon!</span></p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c325808d5970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-10-05T20:03:15Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee3fbb541970dFriday photohttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-10-05T20:03:15Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee3fbb065970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Help_team_Friday_photo" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee3fbb065970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee3fbb065970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Help_team_Friday_photo" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">From left to right, Spoonflower help desk staffers David Woodward, Beth Carr, Stephen Beck, and Theresa Rizzuto.</span></p> <p>Why is the Spoonflower help team smiling like this? &#0160;Must be because they&#39;re safely installed at desks now located in the new Spoonflower office! &#0160;Our move mission is officially accomplished, and we&#39;ve got a weekend to rest before finishing the unpacking and beginning the much-anticipated beautification of our new digs. &#0160;Happy weekend, everyone!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee3fbb065970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Help_team_Friday_photo" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee3fbb065970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017ee3fbb065970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Help_team_Friday_photo" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">From left to right, Spoonflower help desk staffers David Woodward, Beth Carr, Stephen Beck, and Theresa Rizzuto.</span></p> <p>Why is the Spoonflower help team smiling like this? &#0160;Must be because they&#39;re safely installed at desks now located in the new Spoonflower office! &#0160;Our move mission is officially accomplished, and we&#39;ve got a weekend to rest before finishing the unpacking and beginning the much-anticipated beautification of our new digs. &#0160;Happy weekend, everyone!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d3c614be9970c Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-09-28T17:56:07Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c614be6970cFriday Photohttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-09-28T17:57:07Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c613b90970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stephanie" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c613b90970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c613b90970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stephanie" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>Stephanie Anton, part of the Spoonflower engineering crew, bellying up to a food truck in Puerto Rico earlier this year.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Two days ago, Stephanie finished up her last day at Spoonflower as a single girl and headed to Charleston, SC to finish last-minute preparations for her wedding tomorrow. &#0160;Our very best wishes for a long and happy life together, Stephanie and Trent--cheers!</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c613b90970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stephanie" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c613b90970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c613b90970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stephanie" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>Stephanie Anton, part of the Spoonflower engineering crew, bellying up to a food truck in Puerto Rico earlier this year.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Two days ago, Stephanie finished up her last day at Spoonflower as a single girl and headed to Charleston, SC to finish last-minute preparations for her wedding tomorrow. &#0160;Our very best wishes for a long and happy life together, Stephanie and Trent--cheers!</span></p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d3c2a77ed970c Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-09-19T17:59:36Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c2a01d1970cHandmade to Sell book giveawayhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-09-19T17:59:35Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151423940419466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1&amp;comment_id=10094044" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="comment for a chance to win, but leave your Spoonflower user name, please!"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Sept19" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744d95b0b970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744d95b0b970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Sept19" /></a><br />This week, we&#39;re giving away a great new book about owning and running your own craft-related business, Hello Craft&#39;s&#0160;<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Sell-Crafts-Running-Growing/dp/030758710X" target="_self">Handmade to Sell</a></em> by Kelly Rand, with contributions from craft-world rock stars Christine Ernest, Sara Dick, and Kimberly Dorn. &#0160;For those of you who don&#39;t know,&#0160;<a href="http://www.hellocraft.com/" target="_self">Hello Craft</a> is a non-profit group of crafters and craft fair organizers who, in their own words, are &quot;dedicated to the advancement of independent crafters and the handmade movement, as well as empowering small business owners and educating the public to the benefits of buying handmade.&quot; &#0160;Nice mission, don&#39;t you think? &#0160;</p> <p>Hello Craft offers <a href="http://www.hellocraft.com/about/hc-podcast-2/" target="_self">podcasts</a> on the handmade theme, and holds a 3-day <a href="http://www.hellocraft.com/summit/" target="_self">Summit of Awesome </a>each year which offers workshops on topics like small business finance, selling your handmade goods wholesale, email marketing, licensing and copyright issues, and tons more useful info for the person making a living by their own handwork. &#0160;(This year&#39;s summit just passed us by last weekend, but my dear spouse spoke there and said it was...well, awesome!) &#0160;You can also <a href="http://www.hellocraft.com/members/" target="_self">become a member</a> of Hello Craft for a small yearly fee that will get you access to exclusive content on their site. &#0160;</p> <p>If this book sounds like just what you need in your crafty work life, just leave your comment here or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151423940419466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1&amp;comment_id=10094044" target="_self">Facebook post</a>&#0160;to be entered into a drawing for a copy. &#0160;Do include your Spoonflower screen name or some other means of contacting you in case you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Entries will close next Tuesday, 9/25 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 9/26. &#0160;Good luck, all!</p> <p>Last week, we were giving away a 3-month subscription to <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_self">Creativebug</a>, an excellent new subscription-based website that allows full access to an amazing line-up of crafting classes taught by some of the biggest names out there. &#0160;The winner was &quot;Jennie P.,&quot; but I&#39;m happy to announce that <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_self">Creativebug</a> is extending a $10 off discount to any new subscribers who use the code SPOONFLOWER when they sign up. &#0160;This discount is good until 10/31/12, so if you were thinking about subscribing, this is a great time to jump on it. &#0160;For a reminder of what Creativebug has to offer, check out their <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors" target="_self">instructors</a>&#0160;and get inspired!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151423940419466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1&amp;comment_id=10094044" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="comment for a chance to win, but leave your Spoonflower user name, please!"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Sept19" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744d95b0b970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744d95b0b970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Sept19" /></a><br />This week, we&#39;re giving away a great new book about owning and running your own craft-related business, Hello Craft&#39;s&#0160;<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Sell-Crafts-Running-Growing/dp/030758710X" target="_self">Handmade to Sell</a></em> by Kelly Rand, with contributions from craft-world rock stars Christine Ernest, Sara Dick, and Kimberly Dorn. &#0160;For those of you who don&#39;t know,&#0160;<a href="http://www.hellocraft.com/" target="_self">Hello Craft</a> is a non-profit group of crafters and craft fair organizers who, in their own words, are &quot;dedicated to the advancement of independent crafters and the handmade movement, as well as empowering small business owners and educating the public to the benefits of buying handmade.&quot; &#0160;Nice mission, don&#39;t you think? &#0160;</p> <p>Hello Craft offers <a href="http://www.hellocraft.com/about/hc-podcast-2/" target="_self">podcasts</a> on the handmade theme, and holds a 3-day <a href="http://www.hellocraft.com/summit/" target="_self">Summit of Awesome </a>each year which offers workshops on topics like small business finance, selling your handmade goods wholesale, email marketing, licensing and copyright issues, and tons more useful info for the person making a living by their own handwork. &#0160;(This year&#39;s summit just passed us by last weekend, but my dear spouse spoke there and said it was...well, awesome!) &#0160;You can also <a href="http://www.hellocraft.com/members/" target="_self">become a member</a> of Hello Craft for a small yearly fee that will get you access to exclusive content on their site. &#0160;</p> <p>If this book sounds like just what you need in your crafty work life, just leave your comment here or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151423940419466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1&amp;comment_id=10094044" target="_self">Facebook post</a>&#0160;to be entered into a drawing for a copy. &#0160;Do include your Spoonflower screen name or some other means of contacting you in case you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Entries will close next Tuesday, 9/25 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 9/26. &#0160;Good luck, all!</p> <p>Last week, we were giving away a 3-month subscription to <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_self">Creativebug</a>, an excellent new subscription-based website that allows full access to an amazing line-up of crafting classes taught by some of the biggest names out there. &#0160;The winner was &quot;Jennie P.,&quot; but I&#39;m happy to announce that <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_self">Creativebug</a> is extending a $10 off discount to any new subscribers who use the code SPOONFLOWER when they sign up. &#0160;This discount is good until 10/31/12, so if you were thinking about subscribing, this is a great time to jump on it. &#0160;For a reminder of what Creativebug has to offer, check out their <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors" target="_self">instructors</a>&#0160;and get inspired!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d3c0b2dab970c Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-09-14T18:13:25Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c0b2da8970cFriday Photohttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-09-14T18:13:25Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c0b1e0b970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Heather_Ross_fabrics" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c0b1e0b970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c0b1e0b970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Heather_Ross_fabrics" /></a><br /><em>Heather Ross designs printed onto Kona cotton.</em> &#0160;</p> <p>These designs were pulled from Heather&#39;s new book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heather-Ross-Prints-Designs-Projects/dp/1584799951/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1347645650&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=heather+ross" target="_self">Heather Ross Prints: 50+ Designs Plus 20 Projects to Get You Started</a></em>, a book we&#39;re <em>very</em> excited about at Spoonflower. &#0160;Along with plenty of project inspiration and gorgeous photos, the book comes with a disk of more than 50 of Heather&#39;s out-of-print designs and her permission to print them at will for all sorts of lovely paper and fabric projects.&#0160;</p> <p>We&#39;ll have some good news about Heather Ross&#39; book coming up soon that we can&#39;t reveal just yet but while you wait, do check out the <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/promos/hross" target="_self">CreativeBug/Heather Ross promo</a>&#0160;going on right now. &#0160;Enter your email address on their site between now and 10/1 and enjoy a free Heather Ross workshop and book preview, plus be entered for a giveaway of Heather&#39;s book, a 3-month subsciption to Creativebug, and $50 of Spoonflower fabric. &#0160;Good luck, everyone, and happy weekend!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c0b1e0b970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Heather_Ross_fabrics" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c0b1e0b970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3c0b1e0b970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Heather_Ross_fabrics" /></a><br /><em>Heather Ross designs printed onto Kona cotton.</em> &#0160;</p> <p>These designs were pulled from Heather&#39;s new book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heather-Ross-Prints-Designs-Projects/dp/1584799951/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1347645650&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=heather+ross" target="_self">Heather Ross Prints: 50+ Designs Plus 20 Projects to Get You Started</a></em>, a book we&#39;re <em>very</em> excited about at Spoonflower. &#0160;Along with plenty of project inspiration and gorgeous photos, the book comes with a disk of more than 50 of Heather&#39;s out-of-print designs and her permission to print them at will for all sorts of lovely paper and fabric projects.&#0160;</p> <p>We&#39;ll have some good news about Heather Ross&#39; book coming up soon that we can&#39;t reveal just yet but while you wait, do check out the <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/promos/hross" target="_self">CreativeBug/Heather Ross promo</a>&#0160;going on right now. &#0160;Enter your email address on their site between now and 10/1 and enjoy a free Heather Ross workshop and book preview, plus be entered for a giveaway of Heather&#39;s book, a 3-month subsciption to Creativebug, and $50 of Spoonflower fabric. &#0160;Good luck, everyone, and happy weekend!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c31d10628970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-09-12T18:20:52Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3bff0aa8970cCreativebug subscription giveawayhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-09-12T18:20:51Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151412281744466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self"><img alt="Giveway-blog" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744af4f2a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744af4f2a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Giveway-blog" /></a><br />There seem to be so many ways now to learn how to make stuff--&quot;real life&quot; crafting and sewing classes at local and chain shops, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_self">YouTube</a> videos you can go to for a quick visual primer on specific techniques, <a href="http://sewaholic.net/sew-alongs/" target="_self">sewalongs</a> hosted on blogs, and now a more recent development that we&#39;re watching with great interest here at Spoonflower--websites that offer crafting and sewing classes for a small fee taught by people who really know their stuff. &#0160;Classes on sites like <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_self">Craftsy</a> and <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_self">Creativebug</a> tend to be much more affordable than traditional in-person classes, potentially more reliable than content you might dig up yourself on YouTube, and of course, still pause-able and rewind-able should you miss something or need to see something done over again--and again. &#0160;</p> <p><a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_self">Creativebug</a> is the newest player on the online crafting class scene, and we&#39;re thrilled to be offering a 3-month Creativebug subscription for today&#39;s giveaway! &#0160;This subscription will get you 3-months&#39; worth of unlimited access to classes taught by the likes of <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/heather-ross" target="_self">Heather Ross</a>, <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/liesl-gibson" target="_self">Liesl Gibson</a>, <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/natalie-chanin" target="_self">Natalie Chanin</a>, <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/anna-maria-horner" target="_self">Anna Maria Horner</a>, and <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/cal-patch" target="_self">Cal Patch</a>--and those are just some of the sewing instructors. Other&#0160;<a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors" target="_self">instructors</a> teach classes on bookbinding, ceramics, needle-felting, and <em>many</em> other categories, so you&#39;re sure to learn plenty about your favorite crafty subjects from some of the most talented and experienced people out there.</p> <p>To enter today&#39;s giveaway, just leave your comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151412281744466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win, but leave your Spoonflower user name!">Facebook post</a> and tell us which class or instructor on <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_self">Creativebug</a> you find most exciting. &#0160;Don&#39;t forget to include your Spoonflower screen name or some other means of contacting you in case you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 9/18 and we&#39;ll announce a winner--and a special offer from Creativebug!--next Wednesday, 9/19. &#0160;Good luck, everyone!</p> <p>Last week we were giving away a copy of Gretchen Hirsch&#39;s new book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gerties-Book-Better-Sewing-Couture-Style/dp/1584799919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1347473176&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=gerties+book+for+better+sewing" target="_self">Gertie&#39;s Book for Better Sewing</a>, </em>and the winner was Spoonflower community member&#0160;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/thesummercountry" target="_self">Ariel Shogren</a>. &#0160;We also held an impromptu--and brief--giveaway on the blog yesterday for our Northeastern US peeps for two tickets to the non-profit&#0160;<a href="http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/" target="_self">Quilt Alliance</a>&#39;s second annual <a href="http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/support/events.php" target="_self">Quilters Take Manhattan</a> event coming up this Saturday, 9/15 in NYC. &#0160;Laura Alvarez won those tickets today, so congrats to both Ariel and Laura!&#0160;</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151412281744466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self"><img alt="Giveway-blog" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744af4f2a970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744af4f2a970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Giveway-blog" /></a><br />There seem to be so many ways now to learn how to make stuff--&quot;real life&quot; crafting and sewing classes at local and chain shops, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_self">YouTube</a> videos you can go to for a quick visual primer on specific techniques, <a href="http://sewaholic.net/sew-alongs/" target="_self">sewalongs</a> hosted on blogs, and now a more recent development that we&#39;re watching with great interest here at Spoonflower--websites that offer crafting and sewing classes for a small fee taught by people who really know their stuff. &#0160;Classes on sites like <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_self">Craftsy</a> and <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_self">Creativebug</a> tend to be much more affordable than traditional in-person classes, potentially more reliable than content you might dig up yourself on YouTube, and of course, still pause-able and rewind-able should you miss something or need to see something done over again--and again. &#0160;</p> <p><a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_self">Creativebug</a> is the newest player on the online crafting class scene, and we&#39;re thrilled to be offering a 3-month Creativebug subscription for today&#39;s giveaway! &#0160;This subscription will get you 3-months&#39; worth of unlimited access to classes taught by the likes of <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/heather-ross" target="_self">Heather Ross</a>, <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/liesl-gibson" target="_self">Liesl Gibson</a>, <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/natalie-chanin" target="_self">Natalie Chanin</a>, <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/anna-maria-horner" target="_self">Anna Maria Horner</a>, and <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/cal-patch" target="_self">Cal Patch</a>--and those are just some of the sewing instructors. Other&#0160;<a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors" target="_self">instructors</a> teach classes on bookbinding, ceramics, needle-felting, and <em>many</em> other categories, so you&#39;re sure to learn plenty about your favorite crafty subjects from some of the most talented and experienced people out there.</p> <p>To enter today&#39;s giveaway, just leave your comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151412281744466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win, but leave your Spoonflower user name!">Facebook post</a> and tell us which class or instructor on <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/" target="_self">Creativebug</a> you find most exciting. &#0160;Don&#39;t forget to include your Spoonflower screen name or some other means of contacting you in case you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 9/18 and we&#39;ll announce a winner--and a special offer from Creativebug!--next Wednesday, 9/19. &#0160;Good luck, everyone!</p> <p>Last week we were giving away a copy of Gretchen Hirsch&#39;s new book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gerties-Book-Better-Sewing-Couture-Style/dp/1584799919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1347473176&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=gerties+book+for+better+sewing" target="_self">Gertie&#39;s Book for Better Sewing</a>, </em>and the winner was Spoonflower community member&#0160;<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/thesummercountry" target="_self">Ariel Shogren</a>. &#0160;We also held an impromptu--and brief--giveaway on the blog yesterday for our Northeastern US peeps for two tickets to the non-profit&#0160;<a href="http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/" target="_self">Quilt Alliance</a>&#39;s second annual <a href="http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/support/events.php" target="_self">Quilters Take Manhattan</a> event coming up this Saturday, 9/15 in NYC. &#0160;Laura Alvarez won those tickets today, so congrats to both Ariel and Laura!&#0160;</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c31cab380970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-09-11T14:56:41Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31caab75970bQuilters Take Manhattan tickets giveawayhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-09-11T14:56:41Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151410282959466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win, but include your Spoonflower nickname!"><img alt="QTM2012logo_800wide" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31ca9834970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31ca9834970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="QTM2012logo_800wide" /></a><br />Surprise! &#0160;We have a quick giveaway today for our peeps in the Northeast--or for anyone willing and able to get themselves to NYC this Saturday, September 15. &#0160;Courtesy of our friends at the nonprofit <a href="http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/" target="_self">Quilt Alliance</a>, we have 2 free tickets to give away to the biggest quilt event in New York City this fall, <a href="http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/support/QTM.php" target="_self">Quilters Take Manhattan</a>. &#0160;If you&#39;d like to win, just leave your comment here or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151410282959466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a>, and do include your Spoonflower screen name or some other means of contacting you in case you&#39;re the winner. &#0160;Since this event is coming up so soon, this giveaway will be open only briefly--comment before tomorrow, 9/12/12, at noon EST to be entered into the drawing! &#0160;We&#39;ll announce the one lucky winner of both tickets on Wednesday, 9/12.</p> <p>The Quilt Alliance is an organization dedicated to documenting, preserving and sharing the rich history of quilts and their makers, and this event is their second annual. &#0160;Quilters Take Manhattan will take place on Saturday, September 15 from 1-5 pm at <a href="http://www.fitnyc.edu/" target="_self">FIT</a> in the heart of the NYC fashion district. <a href="http://dsquilts.com/" target="_self">Denyse Schmidt</a> will be interviewed by <a href="http://marklipinskisblog.wordpress.com/" target="_self">Mark Lipinski</a> for the Alliance’s oral history project, <a href="http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/qsos/" target="_self">Quilters’ S.O.S. – Save Our Stories</a>. Next, <a href="http://elmcreek.net/" target="_self">Jennifer Chiaverini</a> will talk about the newest book in her Elm Creek Quilts series, <em><a href="http://elmcreek.net/books/coming-in-october-30-2012-the-giving-quilt/chapter/" target="_self">The Giving Quilt</a></em>, and then will take questions from the audience. Attendees will see quilts from both Denyse and Jennifer, and can also preview the 2012 Alliance contest quilts (up for auction in November). </p> <p>There will be tasty beverages and a sweets buffet to keep your energy up, a lively silent auction, and overflowing goody bags to showcase a diverse group of sponsors (including Spoonflower!) who are committed to preserving the history of this amazing community.</p> <p>Enter quick, y&#39;all, and good luck!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151410282959466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win, but include your Spoonflower nickname!"><img alt="QTM2012logo_800wide" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31ca9834970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31ca9834970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="QTM2012logo_800wide" /></a><br />Surprise! &#0160;We have a quick giveaway today for our peeps in the Northeast--or for anyone willing and able to get themselves to NYC this Saturday, September 15. &#0160;Courtesy of our friends at the nonprofit <a href="http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/" target="_self">Quilt Alliance</a>, we have 2 free tickets to give away to the biggest quilt event in New York City this fall, <a href="http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/support/QTM.php" target="_self">Quilters Take Manhattan</a>. &#0160;If you&#39;d like to win, just leave your comment here or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151410282959466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a>, and do include your Spoonflower screen name or some other means of contacting you in case you&#39;re the winner. &#0160;Since this event is coming up so soon, this giveaway will be open only briefly--comment before tomorrow, 9/12/12, at noon EST to be entered into the drawing! &#0160;We&#39;ll announce the one lucky winner of both tickets on Wednesday, 9/12.</p> <p>The Quilt Alliance is an organization dedicated to documenting, preserving and sharing the rich history of quilts and their makers, and this event is their second annual. &#0160;Quilters Take Manhattan will take place on Saturday, September 15 from 1-5 pm at <a href="http://www.fitnyc.edu/" target="_self">FIT</a> in the heart of the NYC fashion district. <a href="http://dsquilts.com/" target="_self">Denyse Schmidt</a> will be interviewed by <a href="http://marklipinskisblog.wordpress.com/" target="_self">Mark Lipinski</a> for the Alliance’s oral history project, <a href="http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/qsos/" target="_self">Quilters’ S.O.S. – Save Our Stories</a>. Next, <a href="http://elmcreek.net/" target="_self">Jennifer Chiaverini</a> will talk about the newest book in her Elm Creek Quilts series, <em><a href="http://elmcreek.net/books/coming-in-october-30-2012-the-giving-quilt/chapter/" target="_self">The Giving Quilt</a></em>, and then will take questions from the audience. Attendees will see quilts from both Denyse and Jennifer, and can also preview the 2012 Alliance contest quilts (up for auction in November). </p> <p>There will be tasty beverages and a sweets buffet to keep your energy up, a lively silent auction, and overflowing goody bags to showcase a diverse group of sponsors (including Spoonflower!) who are committed to preserving the history of this amazing community.</p> <p>Enter quick, y&#39;all, and good luck!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c31b5ec39970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-09-07T15:39:28Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31b5ec37970bFriday Photohttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-09-07T15:39:28Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744937515970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stephen_Friday_photo" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744937515970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744937515970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stephen_Friday_photo" /></a><br /><em>Each and every Thursday, Stephen spends a few hours composing Spoonflower&#39;s weekly email newsletter. &#0160;Sometimes it&#39;s on the sofa in the conference room, sometimes at a local coffee shop, and sometimes on vacation--but always with a caffeinated beverage and a power snack of some sort. &#0160;(Note the empty bag of barbecue chips at his feet.)</em></p> <p>Happy weekend, everyone!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744937515970d-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stephen_Friday_photo" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744937515970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744937515970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stephen_Friday_photo" /></a><br /><em>Each and every Thursday, Stephen spends a few hours composing Spoonflower&#39;s weekly email newsletter. &#0160;Sometimes it&#39;s on the sofa in the conference room, sometimes at a local coffee shop, and sometimes on vacation--but always with a caffeinated beverage and a power snack of some sort. &#0160;(Note the empty bag of barbecue chips at his feet.)</em></p> <p>Happy weekend, everyone!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c31aa9d28970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-09-05T16:47:56Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883401774487faa8970dGertie's New Book for Better Sewing Giveawayhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-09-05T16:47:55Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151399838279466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Sept5" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d88340177448859a6970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d88340177448859a6970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Sept5" /></a>Some of us in the Spoonflower office are <em>very</em>&#0160;into pretty&#0160;dresses--especially the vintage kind--so when we realized this morning that <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gerties-Book-Better-Sewing-Couture-Style/dp/1584799919/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_self">Gertie&#39;s New Book for Better Sewing</a></em>, the much anticipated title from talented sewist Gretchen Hirsch and author of <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/" target="_self">Gertie&#39;s New Blog for Better Sewing</a>, had finally been released for sale, we snapped up a couple of copies quick. One copy will live on the Spoonflower sewing library shelf (when we aren&#39;t fighting over who gets to borrow it), but one copy is for one of <em>you</em>&#0160;to win during this week&#39;s giveaway! &#0160;I haven&#39;t laid eyes on a real book yet but, having been helped with a couple of dress projects by Gertie herself at a <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/05/heather-ross-weekend-sewing-workshop-nyc.html" target="_self">Heather Ross sewing workshop</a> earlier this year, I&#39;m confident that her book will be as helpful and charming as Gertie herself. I hope you all are as excited about this book as I am!</p> <p>To enter this week&#39;s giveaway for a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gerties-Book-Better-Sewing-Couture-Style/dp/1584799919/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_self">Gertie&#39;s new book</a>, just leave your comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151399838279466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win the book">Facebook post</a>. Do include your Spoonflower screen name so that we can find you easily if you&#39;re our winner, and tell us all about your favorite dress style if you&#39;re so inclined. Entries will close next Tuesday, 9/11 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 9/12. &#0160;While you&#39;re waiting to find out if you&#39;ve won the book, you may want to pick up one of Gertie&#39;s new Butterick sewing patterns, a gorgeous <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5814-products-27962.php?page_id=147" target="_self">cocktail dress</a> and <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5824-products-27972.php?page_id=147" target="_self">double-breasted coat</a>. Good luck, vintage style mavens!</p> <p>Last week we gave away the winner&#39;s choice of a <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/" target="_self">lovely Sewaholic sewing pattern</a>&#0160;and four yards of Spoonflower fabric to make it up in,&#0160;and the winner was Danica King in Seattle. &#0160;Congratulations, Danica!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151399838279466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_Sept5" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d88340177448859a6970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d88340177448859a6970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_Sept5" /></a>Some of us in the Spoonflower office are <em>very</em>&#0160;into pretty&#0160;dresses--especially the vintage kind--so when we realized this morning that <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gerties-Book-Better-Sewing-Couture-Style/dp/1584799919/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_self">Gertie&#39;s New Book for Better Sewing</a></em>, the much anticipated title from talented sewist Gretchen Hirsch and author of <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/" target="_self">Gertie&#39;s New Blog for Better Sewing</a>, had finally been released for sale, we snapped up a couple of copies quick. One copy will live on the Spoonflower sewing library shelf (when we aren&#39;t fighting over who gets to borrow it), but one copy is for one of <em>you</em>&#0160;to win during this week&#39;s giveaway! &#0160;I haven&#39;t laid eyes on a real book yet but, having been helped with a couple of dress projects by Gertie herself at a <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/05/heather-ross-weekend-sewing-workshop-nyc.html" target="_self">Heather Ross sewing workshop</a> earlier this year, I&#39;m confident that her book will be as helpful and charming as Gertie herself. I hope you all are as excited about this book as I am!</p> <p>To enter this week&#39;s giveaway for a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gerties-Book-Better-Sewing-Couture-Style/dp/1584799919/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_self">Gertie&#39;s new book</a>, just leave your comment below or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151399838279466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self" title="Comment for a chance to win the book">Facebook post</a>. Do include your Spoonflower screen name so that we can find you easily if you&#39;re our winner, and tell us all about your favorite dress style if you&#39;re so inclined. Entries will close next Tuesday, 9/11 and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 9/12. &#0160;While you&#39;re waiting to find out if you&#39;ve won the book, you may want to pick up one of Gertie&#39;s new Butterick sewing patterns, a gorgeous <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5814-products-27962.php?page_id=147" target="_self">cocktail dress</a> and <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5824-products-27972.php?page_id=147" target="_self">double-breasted coat</a>. Good luck, vintage style mavens!</p> <p>Last week we gave away the winner&#39;s choice of a <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/" target="_self">lovely Sewaholic sewing pattern</a>&#0160;and four yards of Spoonflower fabric to make it up in,&#0160;and the winner was Danica King in Seattle. &#0160;Congratulations, Danica!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017d3bc6a42c970c Kim posted something http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-09-01T17:38:06Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017d3bc6a42b970chttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/comment2012-09-01T17:38:06Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugartag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c3189af7d970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-08-29T16:29:21Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31898e87970bSewaholic pattern and fabric giveawayhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-08-29T16:29:21Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151387579094466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="Comment on Facebook"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_August29" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744674b41970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744674b41970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_August29" /></a><br />The kids are back in school this week and while I haven&#39;t been counting down the hours &#39;til the kids go back to school, I have to admit that I have a lot more time&#0160;to think&#0160;all of a sudden. &#0160;And when I have time to think, I often think about projects I&#39;d like to make for myself that maybe I put on hold a couple of months ago when the kids were just getting out of school. &#0160;The weeks just following kids returning to school is always quite a busy time in the print room at Spoonflower, so I think this must be a pretty common scenario for a lot of you, too!</p> <p>I&#39;ve run across a beautiful line of women&#39;s clothing patterns recently that have jumped to the top of my sewing to-do list. &#0160;<a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/" target="_self">Sewaholic</a>&#0160;patterns are created by Vancouver based <a href="http://sewaholic.net/about-2/" target="_self">Tasia</a>&#0160;and billed as &quot;sewing patterns for the modern seamstress,&quot; and I want to make almost every single one of them for myself&#0160;<em>now</em>. &#0160;(It&#39;s not too late to make a bare shoulder&#0160;<a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1102-lonsdale-dress" target="_self">sundress</a>, right?) &#0160;You can ogle many pretty versions of all of Tasia&#39;s Sewaholic patterns in her <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/sewaholicpatterns/" target="_self">Flickr pool</a>. &#0160;Like <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/70129243@N03/7879458444/in/pool-sewaholicpatterns/" target="_self">this version</a> of the <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1202-cambie-dress" target="_self">Cambie</a> dress. &#0160;Or <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sewbusylizzy/7854111602/in/pool-sewaholicpatterns" target="_self">this</a> very pretty <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1204-alma-blouse" target="_self">Alma</a> blouse. &#0160;Love.</p> <p>If you want to try your hand at a brand-new Sewaholic pattern, just enter this week&#39;s drawing! &#0160;We&#39;re giving away one <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/" target="_self">Sewaholic</a> pattern of your choosing plus 4 yards of any Spoonflower fabric to make it up in. &#0160;To enter, just leave your comment here or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151387579094466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a>, and let us know which of the Sewaholic patterns you&#39;d like if you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Please don&#39;t forget to include your Spoonflower screen name or some other means of tracking you down easily in case you win. &#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 9/4 at 7pm EST and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 9/5. &#0160;Good luck, modern seamstresses! &#0160;<em><span style="color: #c00000;">This giveaway is now closed and we&#39;ll be announcing a winner shortly.</span></em></p> <p>Last week, we gave away a copy of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lunch-Bags-Handmade-Design-Collective/dp/1607050048/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1346256994&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=lunch+bags+book" target="_self">Lunch Bags!</a></em>&#0160;plus two types of interfacing, Insul-Fleece, and regular fusible fleece to aid in your lunch bag-making projects. &#0160;The winner was Lori Claflin in Massachusetts. &#0160;Congrats, Lori!</p> <p> <a class="asset-img-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151387579094466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" style="display: inline;" target="_self" title="Comment on Facebook"><img alt="WeeklyGiveaway_August29" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744674b41970d" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017744674b41970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WeeklyGiveaway_August29" /></a><br />The kids are back in school this week and while I haven&#39;t been counting down the hours &#39;til the kids go back to school, I have to admit that I have a lot more time&#0160;to think&#0160;all of a sudden. &#0160;And when I have time to think, I often think about projects I&#39;d like to make for myself that maybe I put on hold a couple of months ago when the kids were just getting out of school. &#0160;The weeks just following kids returning to school is always quite a busy time in the print room at Spoonflower, so I think this must be a pretty common scenario for a lot of you, too!</p> <p>I&#39;ve run across a beautiful line of women&#39;s clothing patterns recently that have jumped to the top of my sewing to-do list. &#0160;<a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/" target="_self">Sewaholic</a>&#0160;patterns are created by Vancouver based <a href="http://sewaholic.net/about-2/" target="_self">Tasia</a>&#0160;and billed as &quot;sewing patterns for the modern seamstress,&quot; and I want to make almost every single one of them for myself&#0160;<em>now</em>. &#0160;(It&#39;s not too late to make a bare shoulder&#0160;<a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1102-lonsdale-dress" target="_self">sundress</a>, right?) &#0160;You can ogle many pretty versions of all of Tasia&#39;s Sewaholic patterns in her <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/sewaholicpatterns/" target="_self">Flickr pool</a>. &#0160;Like <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/70129243@N03/7879458444/in/pool-sewaholicpatterns/" target="_self">this version</a> of the <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1202-cambie-dress" target="_self">Cambie</a> dress. &#0160;Or <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sewbusylizzy/7854111602/in/pool-sewaholicpatterns" target="_self">this</a> very pretty <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1204-alma-blouse" target="_self">Alma</a> blouse. &#0160;Love.</p> <p>If you want to try your hand at a brand-new Sewaholic pattern, just enter this week&#39;s drawing! &#0160;We&#39;re giving away one <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/" target="_self">Sewaholic</a> pattern of your choosing plus 4 yards of any Spoonflower fabric to make it up in. &#0160;To enter, just leave your comment here or on the corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151387579094466&amp;set=a.446519259465.229330.14321714465&amp;type=1" target="_self">Facebook post</a>, and let us know which of the Sewaholic patterns you&#39;d like if you&#39;re our winner. &#0160;Please don&#39;t forget to include your Spoonflower screen name or some other means of tracking you down easily in case you win. &#0160;Entries close next Tuesday, 9/4 at 7pm EST and we&#39;ll announce a winner on 9/5. &#0160;Good luck, modern seamstresses! &#0160;<em><span style="color: #c00000;">This giveaway is now closed and we&#39;ll be announcing a winner shortly.</span></em></p> <p>Last week, we gave away a copy of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lunch-Bags-Handmade-Design-Collective/dp/1607050048/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1346256994&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=lunch+bags+book" target="_self">Lunch Bags!</a></em>&#0160;plus two types of interfacing, Insul-Fleece, and regular fusible fleece to aid in your lunch bag-making projects. &#0160;The winner was Lori Claflin in Massachusetts. &#0160;Congrats, Lori!</p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c3174b98f970b Kim posted something http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-08-24T22:29:33Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c3174b98d970bhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/comment2012-08-24T22:29:33Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugarFriday Phototag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017c317389b9970b Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-08-24T16:13:43Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c317389b6970bFriday Photohttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-08-24T16:13:43Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31738475970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Danielle shorts" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31738475970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31738475970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Danielle shorts" /></a><br />Danielle sporting some shorts she made from <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/oksancia" target="_self">Oksancia&#39;s</a> <em><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/847328" target="_self">Bright Garden Flowers</a></em> design. &#0160;Hope you&#39;re all enjoying this last little bit of summer, too! <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31738475970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Danielle shorts" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31738475970b" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d8834017c31738475970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Danielle shorts" /></a><br />Danielle sporting some shorts she made from <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/oksancia" target="_self">Oksancia&#39;s</a> <em><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/847328" target="_self">Bright Garden Flowers</a></em> design. &#0160;Hope you&#39;re all enjoying this last little bit of summer, too!tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a8833017744306778970d Kim posted an entry http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-08-17T18:01:59Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883401761749c121970cIntroducing the Friday Photo!http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/article2012-08-17T18:01:59Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugar<p>Today we&#39;re debuting a new series on the blog that we hope will inject a little fun into the Spoonflower blogging week. The Friday Photo will be a new pic posted--yep--each Friday and will feature the faces behind the printing, general antics, and maybe a few photos of Spoonflower fabrics spotted &quot;in the wild&quot; thrown in for good measure. &#0160;We hope you&#39;ll enjoy these peeks into the workings of Spoonflower, and please feel free to let us know if you have any suggestions for subjects you&#39;d like to see photographed. &#0160;Happy weekend, y&#39;all!</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d883401761749bb26970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stephanie_Chad_Holly" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d883401761749bb26970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d883401761749bb26970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stephanie_Chad_Holly" /></a><em><br />Stephanie, Chad, and Holly in safety gear at the new Spoonflower HQ, currently under construction. &#0160;Hopes are high for our expanded office and printing space which will include a front meeting area for tour groups--decorated, of course, with many gorgeous Spoonflower fabrics! Read more about the move here: </em><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2012/08/13/spoonflower-growing-its-space-in-durham.html" target="_blank">Spoonflower growing its space in Durham</a> <em>(Triangle Business Journal)</em></p> <p>Today we&#39;re debuting a new series on the blog that we hope will inject a little fun into the Spoonflower blogging week. The Friday Photo will be a new pic posted--yep--each Friday and will feature the faces behind the printing, general antics, and maybe a few photos of Spoonflower fabrics spotted &quot;in the wild&quot; thrown in for good measure. &#0160;We hope you&#39;ll enjoy these peeks into the workings of Spoonflower, and please feel free to let us know if you have any suggestions for subjects you&#39;d like to see photographed. &#0160;Happy weekend, y&#39;all!</p> <p><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d883401761749bb26970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Stephanie_Chad_Holly" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e5523f5f4d883401761749bb26970c" src="http://spoonflower.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5523f5f4d883401761749bb26970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stephanie_Chad_Holly" /></a><em><br />Stephanie, Chad, and Holly in safety gear at the new Spoonflower HQ, currently under construction. &#0160;Hopes are high for our expanded office and printing space which will include a front meeting area for tour groups--decorated, of course, with many gorgeous Spoonflower fabrics! Read more about the move here: </em><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2012/08/13/spoonflower-growing-its-space-in-durham.html" target="_blank">Spoonflower growing its space in Durham</a> <em>(Triangle Business Journal)</em></p>tag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collectiontag:api.typepad.com,2009:6e00e5500e913a88330177440642ee970d Kim posted something http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post2012-08-09T19:30:25Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d88340177440642ed970dhttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/comment2012-08-09T19:30:25Ztag:api.typepad.com,2009:6p00e5500e913a8833Kim http://profile.typepad.com/secretsugartag:api.typepad.com,2009:6a00e5523f5f4d883400e5523f5f4f8834Spoonflower Blog – DIY Fabric, Wallpaper, Decals and Gift Wraphttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/collection